US Tariffs on Paper and Paperboard from Australia — 10% (2026)

Importers sourcing paper and paperboard from Australia face specific tariff considerations, with approximately $42B in total bilateral trade.

Following the Supreme Court's landmark February 20, 2026 decision striking down IEEPA tariffs, imports of paper and paperboard from Australia are now subject to a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24, 2026.

This 10% rate has a built-in expiration: Section 122 limits presidential tariff authority to 150 days, meaning the tariff expires approximately July 24, 2026 without congressional renewal.

Paper and Paperboard (HTS Chapter 48) carry an average MFN duty rate of 0.5% in addition to the Section 122 tariff. No additional Section 232 or Section 301 surcharges apply to most products in this category from Australia.

Australia is party to the US-Australia FTA, which may provide preferential or duty-free access for qualifying paper and paperboard. Importers should verify rules of origin requirements to take advantage of preferential rates.

Key products in HTS Chapter 48 imported from Australia include Printing paper, Corrugated boxes, Tissue paper, Kraft paper, Newsprint, and Filter paper.