Sydney—Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he
asked US President Donald Trump for a full exemption from tariffs imposed on
Australian goods during a phone call.
Albanese explained that he asked Trump to consider a
complete exemption for Australia or, at least, to avoid an increase in the
current tariff rate. The Australian leader stated that he presented his
government's arguments for preferential treatment to the US president.
The call, described by Albanese as "warm and
productive," also addressed issues related to the AUKUS security alliance,
cooperation on critical minerals, and various international security matters.
According to the prime minister, Trump agreed to consider
the Australian request, although the tariffs remain in place for now. Australia
currently faces a 12.5 percent tariff on its exports to the United States,
imposed in July.
Albanese also noted that the conversation included a review
of the progress of the AUKUS agreement, through which Australia, the United
States, and the United Kingdom cooperate on defense and military technology.
The request comes amid increasing trade pressure from
Washington on various international partners, while Canberra seeks to maintain
its close strategic relationship with the United States and, at the same time,
protect its commercial interests.