Australian steel answers back

The Australian steel industry and Federal Government have responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement that there will be no exemption on the country’s steel and aluminium tariffs.

This follows efforts from the Federal Government to make a case for Australian exemption. According to the Australian Steel Institute (ASI), the last Trump administration granted Australia an exemption after nine months of lobbying by the government and others.

The ASI says it will continue to work with the Federal Government to secure an exemption from the 25% tariff on Australian steel, despite confirmation today that the tariff will go ahead.

ASI chief executive Mark Cain says the tariff is disappointing, but the ASI will continue pressing for relief on behalf of its members.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Federal Government will continue to put forward a very strong case for an exemption and to advocate for Australian trade with the United States at every level and through every channel.

“Australia will continue working hard for a different outcome and discussions with the Trump Administration are ongoing,” he said.

“[The Federal] Government is prepared and has been engaging directly with the Australian steel and aluminium industry and will continue working through this with them.

“As with the other products and resources that Australia has, we will continue to diversify markets for our products which are in demand globally.

“Australian steel and aluminium exports to the United States represent less than 0.2% of the total value of our exports. Neither is in the top 10 of what Australia sells to the United States.

Prime Minister Albanese says Australia will not be imposing reciprocal tariffs on the United States.