Overview

• The latest Newspoll surveyed 1,283 Australians from August 11 to 14 and was published on August 17.
• When asked which posed a greater threat, 42% of respondents pointed to US tariffs under President Trump and 37% to China’s military build-up while 21% were neutral.
• Voters showed a clear partisan divide, with 55% of Labor and 60% of Greens supporters listing tariffs as the top concern compared with half of Coalition backers citing China’s strategic expansion.
• For the first time since September 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s net approval rose to +3, with 49% satisfied versus 46% dissatisfied.
• Australian exports are already subject to a blanket 10% US duty, 50% sectoral levies on key metals and face the possibility of up to 250% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, amplifying economic anxieties.