Australia’s Trade Minister has defended the country’s steel and aluminium exports to the United States, arguing that they help create well-paying American jobs and are crucial for shared defense interests.
This comes as President Donald Trump announced new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, escalating his trade policies.
Minister Don Farrell emphasized that Australian steel and aluminium contribute to job creation in the US, particularly in the defense sector, and play a vital role in the security relationship between the two nations. He stated that Australia is advocating for “free and fair trade” and hopes to secure an exemption from the tariffs, similar to the one granted in 2018 under Trump’s previous administration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that he would raise the issue in talks with President Trump. Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles also met with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, during a visit to Washington, where discussions focused on the AUKUS defense pact, including Australia’s $500 million contribution to US submarine production.
Australian-listed BlueScope Steel saw a nearly 2% increase in shares, anticipating that its US operations would benefit from the potential exemption, as the company employs around 4,000 people in the US, including at its North Star Mill in Ohio.
