US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has accused Australia of “dumping” aluminium at below-market prices, exacerbating tensions as local politicians seek exemptions from US steel and aluminium tariffs. In an interview with Fox Business, Lutnick stated, “We’re going to stop that nonsense and bring steel here,” highlighting that other countries, including Japan and China, also engage in such practices, but emphasising Australia’s role in the market.
Lutnick defended the US government’s stance, claiming that President Trump is “protecting America” from unfair competition. Meanwhile, the Australian steel and aluminium exports to the US comprise only a tiny fraction — about 0.2% — of the nation’s total export value. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese failed to secure exemption from the tariffs, a move Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has criticised as a significant oversight. Dutton stated, “I just think he’s out of depth,” expressing disappointment with the Albanese government’s handling of the tariffs and suggesting that the prime minister should vigorously advocate for national interests.
Historically, under a Coalition government, Australia negotiated exemptions during Trump’s first term; however, the process took nearly a year. Dutton has asserted that, if elected, he would ensure a swift resolution with the US to protect Australian jobs and industries. He further accused Albanese of having poor relations with Trump, arguing that the prime minister should have made personal visits to the US to negotiate directly. Dutton pointed out that Albania was the only leader among the Quad nations not to have visited the US since Trump’s election.
In response to criticisms, Albanese condemned the tariff decision as unjustified and termed it “not a friendly act.” His administration has also attempted to engage with Trump, although the discussions did not yield the desired exemption. Trump had previously referred to Albanese as “a very fine man,” but later, the White House indicated that no exemptions would be granted.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the government’s position, stating the effectiveness of personal trips is questionable, as evidenced by the lack of exemptions for other countries in the Quad alliance, like India and Japan. Wong noted that the Trump administration believes it erred in granting exemptions during its first term, which might explain the current lack of leniency. The Australian government remains committed to ongoing discussions with the US regarding the tariffs despite the challenges presented.