Australian PM Albanese Raises Tariff Exemption With Trump In Phone Call

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked US President Donald Trump to exempt Australia from tariffs imposed on the country last month, saying he raised the issue during a phone conversation between the two leaders. Albanese said he requested a full exemption or, at minimum, that Washington refrain from increasing the existing tariff. Trump agreed to consider the request, according to the Australian prime minister.

Australia was among 60 countries hit with a 12.5% levy last month over alleged forced labour concerns. Albanese described his conversation with Trump as “warm and productive” and said he specifically asked the US president to take into account Australia’s position as a close American ally. Trump, he added, agreed to give consideration to Australia’s request for tariff relief.

Albanese also reiterated the Australian government’s broader opposition to tariffs as a trade policy. He argued that tariffs impose economic costs on the countries introducing them and maintained that Australia supports free and fair trade. The Australian government has previously emphasised the importance of maintaining strong economic and strategic ties with the United States while protecting the country’s trading interests.

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The two leaders also discussed progress under the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, Australia is expected to receive at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States over a period of 15 years. The programme remains a major component of Australia’s long-term defence cooperation with Washington.

Albanese said the Middle East conflict was also discussed during the conversation. He reiterated Australia’s position that Iran should not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons and expressed support for an end to the ongoing conflict in the region. The discussion adds a broader security dimension to talks between the two leaders, which also covered the economic relationship between Australia and the United States.

The tariff issue now depends on the outcome of the review promised by Trump. An exemption would provide relief to Australian exporters and reinforce the strategic relationship between the two countries, while the continuation or increase of tariffs could add pressure to bilateral trade. Albanese’s request reflects Canberra’s effort to secure preferential treatment while continuing to advocate for an open and rules-based trading system.

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