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U.S. President Donald Trump is considering exempting Australia from newly reinstated steel and aluminium tariffs after a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump’s decision to reimpose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports removed previous exemptions and duty-free quotas, raising concerns over a potential trade war.
Albanese presented Australia’s case for an exemption, emphasizing the country’s trade surplus with the U.S. Trump acknowledged the surplus, noting that Australia buys many American airplanes. "We have a surplus with Australia. One of the few. That’s something we’ll give great consideration to," Trump said, describing Albanese as a "very fine man."
Australia, a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, is the world's largest exporter of iron ore but accounts for only 1% of U.S. steel imports and 2% of aluminium imports. Australian-processed steel plays a crucial role in U.S. military shipbuilding under the AUKUS defence pact, reinforcing shared security interests.
Trump had previously exempted Australia from tariffs during his first term. Albanese remains optimistic about securing an exemption, citing a strong start to his relationship with Trump. Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended Trump’s inauguration, while Defence Minister Richard Marles recently met U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Australia’s Aluminium Council is assessing the potential impact of the tariffs. The Australian government continues to negotiate, highlighting the economic and security benefits of its trade with the U.S.
