Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) advise members of the publication of the Productivity Commission's Trade and Assistance Review 2024–25, its annual assessment of developments in Australian trade and industry assistance policy.
The Review covers a broad range of domestic and international trade policy developments. Of particular relevance to members are the Commission's findings on nuisance tariffs, the compliance costs associated with Australia's tariff system and the continued use of anti-dumping measures.
NUISANCE TARIFFS – FURTHER REFORM
The Review highlights the Australian Government's commitment to abolish a further 497 nuisance tariffs from 2026–27, building on the 457 tariffs removed from 1 July 2024. The Productivity Commission also maintains that there remains a strong case for taking Australia's remaining statutory tariff rates to zero.
Importantly, the Review finds that more than 90% of imports by value already enter Australia duty free, either because the statutory tariff is zero or through preferential trade agreements and other concessional arrangements.
Despite this, the Productivity Commission estimates that compliance costs associated with accessing tariff preferences and concessions were between $1.4 billion and $4.1 billion in 2024–25, compared with $1.9 billion in tariff revenue collected. These costs include the administrative burden associated with accessing preferential rates and complying with rules of origin requirements.
ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES
The Review also examines Australia's continued use of anti-dumping measures and notes the competing impacts across the economy. While these measures provide protection to affected Australian producers, they can impose additional costs on Australian industries that rely on affected imported goods as production inputs.
As at 1 July 2026, anti-dumping measures applied to 30 different commodities, including a range of steel products. The Productivity Commission also notes that anti-dumping measures are regularly reviewed and re-imposed, with many having now been in place for more than a decade.
This remains an important area of focus for FTA/APSA, particularly given the complexity faced by importers and customs brokers in determining whether goods are subject to dumping duties and correctly establishing the applicable liability.
FTA/APSA continues to engage with Government and regulators on reforms to improve certainty and transparency within Australia's trade remedies framework, including the proposed establishment of a formal Goods Advice mechanism. Such a mechanism could provide businesses with a clearer avenue to determine whether imported goods fall within the scope of anti-dumping and countervailing measures before commercial and import decisions are made.
BROADER TRADE ENVIRONMENT
The Review also highlights a broader international environment characterised by increasing protectionism and trade uncertainty. While Australia continues to expand its economic relationships through trade agreements, the Productivity Commission cautions that escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures risk creating a cycle of protectionism that ultimately undermines trade, economic growth and living standards.
The Review provides further support for simpler trade processes, reduced unnecessary tariff complexity and policy settings that facilitate legitimate international commerce.
Members are encouraged to review the Productivity Commission Trade and Assistance Review 2024–25 in full HERE. Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker General Manager - Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA
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