Australia Emphasizes Shared Interests in Trade Exemption Request to U.S.
Canberra (Reuters) - Australia's Trade Minister Don Farrell has asserted that the country's steel and aluminum exports to the United States contribute to American job creation and are fundamental to mutual defense interests. This comes as Australia advocates for an exemption from President Biden's planned tariffs.
Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. could impact Australian exports. Farrell, in meetings with the Biden administration, has emphasized the importance of "free and fair trade" and maintaining access to the U.S. market for Australian steel and aluminum.
"Australian steel and aluminum generate thousands of well-paying American jobs and are crucial for our shared defense interests," Farrell stated.
Australia has been actively engaging with the U.S. for months on the issue of export exemptions. While Farrell has not yet met with his U.S. counterpart, Australian officials have made representations seeking similar treatment to that granted under the previous Trump presidency.
In a separate development, Defense Minister Richard Marles met with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth, marking Australia's first $500 million payment under the AUKUS defense agreement to enhance U.S. submarine production.