Australia’s Minister for Trade denies the US President’s proposal of doubling steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% as a gesture of one of its allies | Diplomatic policies of Australia

Trade Minister Don Farrell from Australia has denounced US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs as “unjustified and not the act of a friend” after Trump announced a doubling of import duties on steel and aluminum to 50%. In a social media post, Trump stated the increase would go into effect on June 4th and apply to both steel and aluminum. Australia exports minimal amounts of steel to the US, with less than 10% of Australia’s aluminum exports going to the US. Farrell reaffirmed Australia’s stance against the tariffs, saying they harm businesses reliant on fair trade. The opposition criticizes the tariffs as well, advocating for protection of Australian jobs and urging the government to meet with Trump during upcoming G7 talks to secure industry interests.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/31/australia-trade-minister-react-trump-tariffs-steel-aluminium