US President Trump is considering exempting Australian steel and aluminum imports from new tariffs after a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During their conversation on Tuesday, Trump acknowledged the US-Australia trade surplus as a reason for the potential exemption. Albanese had pressed for the exemption, noting past tariff relief for Australia during Trump's first administration. Both leaders agreed on public statements highlighting that the exemption is "under consideration in the interests of both countries."
Albanese said of that statement: "They are the words that are agreed. They're the words that I'll stick to. And I can say, though, that it was a very positive and constructive discussion." Trump added, "We actually have a surplus. It's one of the only countries which we do. And I told (Albanese) that that's something that we'll give great consideration to." Australia argues that its longstanding trade deficit with the US and employment contributions by steelmaker BlueScope support their case.
Trump aims to reset import taxes to align with other countries, atop the existing 10% tariffs on China and planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which are paused until March 1. Albanese also raised the AUKUS defense agreement with Trump, and emphasized the strategic importance of Australian steel and aluminum in joint industries. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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