🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇳🇿 New Zealand Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

When choosing between Australia and New Zealand as import sources, US businesses must weigh tariff rates, trade agreements, product availability, and supply chain logistics.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Beef, Wine, Machinery to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Australia accounts for approximately $42B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding New Zealand's $10B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Australia's advantages include: Trade agreement: US-Australia FTA (duty-free on qualifying goods); Exempt from Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs; Higher US trade volume ($42B vs $10B); Unique export categories: Aluminum, Pharmaceuticals, Crude oil. New Zealand's advantages include: Unique export categories: Dairy products, Lamb, Timber.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Australia and New Zealand depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.