Albanese Criticizes 'Unjustified' US Tariffs on Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hit back at the "entirely unjustified" US tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium, calling it a poor way to treat a friend.

From today, a 25% tariff will be slapped on Aussie exports, with the White House confirming no exemptions—not for Australia or anyone else.

"This is Not a Friendly Act"

Albanese made it clear that while Australia won't retaliate with tariffs of its own, the decision is a bad move for the US as well.

"Friends need to act like friends," he said. "This is not a friendly act… and it's economic self-harm."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong backed that up, warning that American consumers would be the ones paying the price. "This will harm the ordinary American and the US economy," she told.

No Meeting with Trump? Coalition Pounces

The Opposition wasted no time attacking the government, with Peter Dutton accusing Albanese of failing to secure a meeting with Donald Trump to fight for an exemption.

"How can an outcome be negotiated if the president won’t even take his call?" Dutton said, claiming he would have made a deal with Trump if he were PM.

Meanwhile, Jane Hume urged Albanese to "just pick up the phone and do something", despite Wong confirming that two calls between Albanese and Trump had already taken place.

Australia's Efforts Behind the Scenes

Australian officials did try to negotiate a deal, even making "real offers" to the US—though they’re keeping those details secret.

Despite the diplomatic push, it became clear in recent days that securing an exemption wasn’t likely. The Trump administration now sees previous exemptions as a mistake, and no country has won one this time around.

What’s Next?

Albanese said this isn’t the end of the fight, pointing out that Australia eventually won an exemption the last time Trump imposed tariffs.

For now, the government is looking to support the Aussie steel and aluminium industry through its upcoming "Buy Australian" campaign.

Trade Minister Don Farrell summed it up: "I hope this doesn’t damage our alliance."

Let’s hope the US rethinks this move before it does.