Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, confirmed that discussions to secure a tariff exemption on Australian aluminum and steel continue, despite the White House ruling out such relief.
In an ABC 7:30 interview, Rudd said his team has been working tirelessly since U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration to persuade Washington to grant an exemption.
“We have thrown everything we have at this issue,” Rudd said.
“I had a team of 20 government officials working on the matter, and we’ve had three sets of government ministers in town and two rounds of prime ministerial phone calls. However, we are up against an administration that remains deeply committed to tariffs as the way forward. Their approach is far tougher than the first Trump administration. But we don’t intend to give up. We’re Australian.”
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Rudd’s comments follow a series of meetings with U.S. officials, including three separate discussions with the U.S. Commerce Secretary, who recently labeled Australia as a trade “enemy.”
The talks have involved Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, and Trade Minister Don Farrell meeting their U.S. counterparts.
In a related segment on Fox News, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik said, “We’re not going to stand for China dumping on Japan or Australia. Dumping aluminum at below cost – if that were occurring – has to stop. The President is protecting America.”
Lutnik’s remarks, however, come as no evidence has emerged to support claims of below-cost dumping in Australia.
Rudd stressed that Australia has reminded the U.S. of their longstanding free trade relationship, noting that Australia imposes zero tariffs on American exports, while the U.S. continues to run a historic trade surplus against Australia.
When asked if another call between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Trump could alter the outcome, Rudd expressed doubt.
He pointed out that 36 other countries have also sought exemptions during the first Trump administration, all without success, including the United Kingdom.
Rudd said, “We continue to engage, and our negotiations are tough and direct. But the challenge remains significant, and we must persist.”