Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he spoke with US President Donald Trump this morning, discussing among other things Trump’s recent announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports.
“I presented Australia’s case for an exemption, and we agreed on wording to say publicly, which is that the US President agreed that an exemption was under consideration in the interests of both of our countries,” Albanese said.
Albanese said he had discussed other areas of potential collaboration with the US, including Australia’s supply of critical minerals.
“Our steel is an important input for US manufacturing. BlueScope is the US’s fifth-largest steelmaker,” he said.
“They’ve invested $5 billion in the US across a range of states. I think there’s more than 30 different investments there.
“Of course, the major export is Colorbond there for roofs in California on the West Coast and at places at ports. Our aluminium is a critical input for manufacturing in the United States.
“Our steel and aluminium are both key inputs for the US-Australia defence industries in both of our countries.”
He pointed out that Australia had a trade surplus with the US that dated back to the presidency of Harry Truman from 1945 to 1953.
“It’s about two to one when it comes to trade between our two countries.”
Trump has used tariffs in the past to punish countries he sees as taking advantage of trade with the US.
Albanese said the discussion was “positive and constructive”, but he did not say whether he thought the exemption would, ultimately, be granted.
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“It’s appropriate, when you’re dealing with the President of the United States, to not speak on his behalf,” Albanese said.
The two leaders also discussed the AUKUS alliance, with Albanese saying it had broad bipartisan support in both Australia and the US, though again declining to elaborate on what he believed Trump’s views to be.
“The relationship is in good shape,” he said.
Democrats react to ‘insult’ to Australia
Democratic congressman Joe Courtney, an advocate for the AUKUS alliance and member of the Congress Armed Services Committee, pointed out that Australia was a contributor to the US economy and security.
He pointed out that Australia had just paid its first $798 million payment for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
“The first cheque was delivered on Friday … and two days later what do we see?” Courtney said.
“A 25 per cent tariff on steel and all products coming from Australia into the US.
“What we’re seeing is a completely needless, almost insult, to the people of Australia.”
