Donald Trump calls Anthony Albanese a ‘very fine man’ – and hints Australia could be granted an exemption from his tariffs

US President Donald Trump will press ahead with a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium exports from all countries – but hinted Australia could be granted an exemption.

‘Today I’m simplifying our tariffs on steel and aluminium,’ Trump said.

‘It’s 25 per cent without exceptions or exemptions.’

When asked about potential retaliation from other countries, Mr Trump said: ‘I don’t mind’.

However Trump hinted Australia could be granted an exemption just hours after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s phone call.

‘I told him that that’s something that we’ll give great consideration to.’ 

Trump also called Mr Albanese a very fine man, and said

Earlier today Mr Albanese said Trump would consider a tariff for Australia.

‘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,’ Mr Albanese said.