PRIME Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday announced that Australia would impose an additional tariff of 35% on all imports from Russia and Belarus.

In a statement, released hours before President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine was scheduled to speak to the Parliament of Australia, Mr Morrison said the government was “taking further action to increase the economic costs to Russia following its illegal invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus”.

Mr Morrison said Australia would issue a formal notification on 1 April that would withdraw entitlement to the most-favoured-nation tariff treatment and applying the additional tariff to all imports from the two countries. This is to take effect from 25 April, and will be in addition to general duty rates that currently apply.

“This action follows Australia’s joint statement, with other like-minded members of the World Trade Organization, strongly condemning Russia’s actions and committing to take all actions we consider necessary, as WTO members, to protect our essential security interests,” Mr Morrison said.

“Australia stands in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression and the Morrison Government is providing $91 million in military assistance.”

The Prime Minister said Australia is providing $65 million in humanitarian assistance, 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to support Ukraine’s energy security, as well as temporary protection visas and assistance to Ukrainian community groups in Australia.

“We continue to work with partners to impose the maximum costs on Russia, through targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, the prohibition of energy, oil and gas products from Russia, and a ban on exports of alumina and aluminium ores (including bauxite) to Russia,” Mr Morrison said.

“This includes listing more than 500 individuals and entities to date. Our sanctions on Russia make up the largest ever imposition of sanctions by Australia against any single country. A prohibition on imports of oil and other energy products will also commence on 25 April.

“Australia supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and continues to call on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”