The Government of Australia expressed its disappointment over the 25% tariffs that the United States plans to impose on Australian steel and aluminum exports, calling them "completely unjustified." Canberra has sought an exemption for its products, as it did in 2018, but without success this time.
U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to grant exemptions to any country, prompting a reaction from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who deemed the tariffs unjustified and a bad way to treat allied nations. He stated that friends should act in a manner that strengthens their relationship.
Albanese dismissed imposing reciprocal tariffs on American products, pointing out that it would only increase prices for Australian consumers and inflation. Instead, he assured that Australia will continue to collaborate constructively with the United States and defend the benefits of trade between both countries.
For his part, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed his disappointment over the news of the tariffs and highlighted that the United States has a trade surplus with Australia. In 2024, Australia exported 223,000 tons of steel and 83,000 tons of aluminum to the U.S.
The Australian Government will continue to seek a resolution to this trade dispute, maintaining its stance of avoiding measures that would affect consumers and the country's economy.
