US President Donald Trump has enacted two executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, after speaking with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During the signing in the Oval Office, Trump stated that these tariffs are crucial for the revitalisation of American manufacturing and insisted on straightforwardness regarding the policy framework. He initially confirmed that there would be no exemptions but later indicated that Australia may be considered for an exemption, noting the longstanding economic relationship and trade surplus Australia has with the US.
Prime Minister Albanese presented Australia’s case for an exemption, highlighting that local steel constitutes about 1% of US imports, with aluminium at 2%. He emphasised the strategic importance of Australian steel and aluminium in US manufacturing, particularly for defence production. Albanese described the conversation with Trump as constructive but refrained from predicting the outcome regarding the potential exemption.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton voiced support for Albanese’s request, emphasising bipartisan sentiments in Australia against the tariffs. He argued that maintaining a strong Australia-US relationship is paramount and cautioned that continued tariffs could jeopardise this alliance. Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney labelled the tariffs as an unnecessary insult to Australia, particularly after its recent financial commitments under the AUKUS agreement.