U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders imposing tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imported into the United States. This came after a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where he confirmed he was considering an exemption for Australia.
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Title: Donald Trump signs steel, aluminium tariff executive order after phone call with Anthony Albanese
02-11, 2025
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02-11, 2025Trump, while signing the order in the Oval Office, claimed that this would revitalize American manufacturing. "Protecting our steel and aluminum industries is a must," he said. "And today I am streamlining our tariffs on steel and aluminum so that everyone knows clearly what this means. It's 25% tariffs, with no exemptions or exceptions."
However, Trump later confirmed to reporters that he was considering an exemption for Australia after speaking with Albanese, whom he called "a very fine man." He explained, "We have a trade surplus with Australia, which is one of the few, because they buy a lot of planes. I told him it's something we'll look at very seriously." Nevertheless, the direct impact on Australian exports remains unclear pending any potential exemptions.
Albanese stated that Australian-produced steel accounts for approximately 1% of U.S. steel imports, and aluminum accounts for 2%. He said, "I put forward Australia's case for an exemption, and we agreed on public wording that the President of the United States agreed that, in the interests of both our nations, an exemption is being considered." Albanese also indicated that he discussed other potential areas of cooperation with the U.S., including Australia's supply of critical minerals.
Albanese emphasized, "Our steel is an important input into U.S. manufacturing. BlueScope is the fifth-largest steel manufacturer in the United States, with $5 billion invested across multiple states in America, with over 30 different investments. Of course, the main export is Colorbond for roofs and port facilities on the West Coast of California. Our aluminum is a critical input into U.S. manufacturing. Both our steel and our aluminum are critical inputs into both our nations' defense industries." He noted that the trade surplus Australia has with the U.S. dates back to the period of President Harry Truman from 1945 to 1953. "The trade between the two countries is roughly two to one."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton supported Albanese's efforts to secure a tariff exemption, stating that it was important for the U.S. administration to understand that there is strong bipartisan support in Australia for an exemption. He said, "I want to send a very clear message to the Trump administration that we don't believe this tariff should be put in place, and if it is, I think it will damage the relationship between the United States and Australia."
Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney, a proponent of the AUKUS alliance and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, pointed out that Australia is a contributor to U.S. economic and security interests. He highlighted that Australia had just made its first $798 million payment for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. "The first check was delivered on Friday... and what do we see two days later?" Courtney said. "A 25% tariff on all steel and products coming from Australia. What we're seeing is a completely unnecessary, almost insulting act to the people of Australia."
