Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked US President Donald Trump to exempt Australia from the 12.5% tariff imposed by the US administration.
Albanese said Trump agreed to consider the request during their approximately 40-minute phone call on Friday. He described the conversation as productive, constructive and comprehensive, and said the 75-year alliance between the two countries continues to grow stronger.
Albanese seeks alternative tariff rate
Albanese also asked that the previous 10% tariff rate for Australia be maintained if a full exemption is not granted.
The Australian government disputes the US administration’s rationale for the tariff. The rationale is based on concerns about forced labor in supply chains, while the Australian government argues that there is no reliable evidentiary basis for such a measure.
Economic and security cooperation on the agenda
During the call, Albanese briefed Trump on Australia’s measures to combat modern slavery and emphasized the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries.
The two leaders will continue working closely on critical minerals, artificial intelligence and the AUKUS security partnership. Albanese also said the United States had recorded a $442 billion trade surplus with Australia over the past 20 years.