Australia Increases Aluminum Supply to US After Tariff Exemption Request
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell announced that the country has increased aluminum supply to the United States with Washington's approval. This move addresses a concern raised by Australia in its request for an exemption from US tariffs on aluminum and steel.
President Donald Trump initially considered an exemption for Australia from tariffs on steel and aluminum but later raised objections, citing a surge in aluminum imports from the country. However, Farrell clarified that Australia increased aluminum exports with the approval of the Biden administration, following supply disruptions caused by Russia's war in Ukraine.
"All of that was done with the full knowledge of the American government," Farrell stated in an interview with ABC.
Australia is the sixth-largest aluminum producer globally and accounted for 1% of US steel imports and 2% of aluminum imports in 2018. The Australian government has recently unveiled a A$2 billion plan to support aluminum smelters in their transition to renewable energy, aiming to protect up to 75,000 jobs.