A tariff exemption for Australian steel and aluminium exports to the United States is “under consideration”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said after speaking with US President Donald Trump.
The prime minister spoke to the US president over the phone on Tuesday morning, in a call that was scheduled before Mr Trump announced new 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.
“We committed to working constructively together to advance Australian and American interests, drive economic prosperity and face shared challenges,” Mr Albanese said in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday.
“For decades, the Alliance between the United States and Australia has served the interests of both our nations, and supported peace, stability and growth in our region.
“I look forward to working closely with President Trump to create jobs and deliver benefits for both our nations.”
Australia exported 223,000 tonnes of steel to the US last year and 83,000 tonnes of aluminium.
When similar taxes were introduced during Mr Trump’s previous term, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull managed to secure exemptions for Australia in both sectors.
The call was Mr Albanese’s first conversation with Mr Trump since he conveyed a brief congratulatory message in the wake of the US election.
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