Albanese Stands Firm Against Trump’s Tariff Threats to Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese isn’t backing down after US President Donald Trump took aim at Australia in his latest trade report. Ahead of tomorrow’s expected tariff announcement, Trump’s administration has flagged several grievances with Australia, including our strict bans on importing uncooked American beef, pork, and poultry.

Now, Australia is bracing for what could be its biggest tariffs yet. But Albanese made it clear—he’s not budging. “I have seen this report, and there are at least three key issues of concern: the news bargaining code, pharmaceuticals, and biosecurity,” he told the media. “Those issues are not up for negotiation. We will defend Australia's interests.”

The PM was firm in saying that Australia won’t weaken its biosecurity laws just to dodge Trump’s tariffs. He described the US trade approach as “cutting off your nose to spite your face” and said that, under his leadership, Australia’s biosecurity system remains a top priority. “Not on my watch,” he declared. “We will negotiate sensibly, but we will not undermine our biosecurity system.”

Despite the growing trade tensions, Albanese insisted his relationship with Trump remains “constructive.” But when it comes to things like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the news bargaining code, and biosecurity, he’s standing his ground. “We are not negotiating over the PBS. We are not negotiating over the news bargaining code. We will not undermine our biosecurity.”

Australia isn’t the only country in Trump’s sights. The Office of the US Trade Representative released a list of 21 nations under review for “unfair trade practices,” including the UK, China, the EU, India, Japan, and more. Trump has threatened to slap reciprocal tariffs on any country that taxes American imports, calling it part of his “liberation day of America” plan. He claims these tariffs will be “far more generous” than what those countries imposed on the US.

Even under past trade disputes, Australia hasn’t been able to escape Trump’s tariffs—his steel and aluminum duties still stand despite heavy lobbying. And with tomorrow’s announcement looming, it looks like the trade battle is just getting started.