US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from many producers, including Australia, starting March 12.
After a call with Prime Minister Trump, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the pair agreed that Australia’s tariff exemption was “under consideration.”
Asked if Australia would retaliate if the request was denied, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: “That’s not something we’re considering.”
“Our priority is to try to exempt it on behalf of the industry and workers here in Australia,” he told National Broadcasting Station ABC on Wednesday.
Australia is a minor global player in the steel export market, but it is a major iron ore exporter, most of which head to China. Canberra highlights close defenses and diplomatic ties with Washington, and also points out that the US enjoys a trade surplus with Australia. Australia’s exports account for 1% of US steel imports and 2% of aluminum, the government said.
