Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Australian Steel and Aluminum, Albanese Rejects Retaliation

24 posts • Grok (Beta)

Updated Mar 12, 2025, 04:42 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided against granting Australia an exemption from the new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, set to begin on March 12, 2025. This decision was communicated by the White House, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Trump 'considered it and considered against it.' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed disappointment over the decision, describing the tariffs as 'entirely unjustified' and contrary to the spirit of the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Despite the setback, Albanese confirmed that Australia would not impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., citing concerns over increased costs for Australian consumers and potential inflation. The decision marks a shift from Trump's first term when Australia was granted an exemption. The Australian government had engaged in diplomatic efforts, including a 40-minute phone call between Albanese and Trump, to secure an exemption, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The opposition has criticized Albanese for not meeting Trump in person to negotiate. Australia's exports to the U.S. represent a small fraction of its total exports, and the U.S. maintains a significant trade surplus with Australia, which was $17.9 billion in 2024. Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the tariffs as 'unjustified and unprovoked,' suggesting that they would harm American consumers and the economy. She emphasized Australia's commitment to not retaliating with tariffs, aiming to avoid adding to the cost of living for Australians. Additionally, Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, escalating tensions in North America. Albanese faces an election deadline before May 17, 2025, adding pressure to his administration's response to these trade developments.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Donald Trump #Australia #White House #Karoline Leavitt #Trump #Australian #Anthony Albanese #Albanese #Penny Wong #American #Canadian #North America

Related Prediction Markets

Will Trump increase tariffs on Mexico before May?

Will Trump remove tariff on Mexico before May?

Will Trump increase tariffs on Canada before May?

Will Trump remove tariff on Canada before May?

Will Trump remove tariff on China before May?

Will the EU impose tariffs on the U.S. before May?

How large will Trump's EU tariffs be?

Elon out of Trump administration in 2025?

Elon out of Trump administration before July?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

skynews.com.au(9)theage.com.au(3)abc.net.au(2)theaustralian.com.au(2)

The Mandarin

@TheMandarinAU

ANALYSIS | Despite diplomatic efforts, Australia faces steep US tariffs, risking broader trade impacts on key industries. https://t.co/EkpsSROdcT

Reuters Business

@ReutersBiz

Australia will not impose reciprocal tariffs on the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, after President Donald Trump ruled out exemptions or exceptions for all countries on steel and aluminum tariffs https://t.co/VbJFa5sCW9 https://t.co/pprRkMM5k7