A 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports from Australia has sparked outrage from US lawmakers and the Australian government. The move comes despite Australia's recent investment of $3 billion in US shipbuilding capabilities as part of the AUKUS defence pact. The tariff is seen as a needless insult to Australia and a threat to the US-Australia trade relationship.
Democratic congressman Joe Courtney, who co-chairs the Friends of Australia Congressional Caucus, pointed to Australian taxpayers’ injection of $US3 billion into US shipbuilding capabilities as part of the AUKUS defence pact – the first $US500 million of which was paid last week.
More than $1 billion worth of goods are potentially exposed to the tariff plan, with Australia sending $640 million worth of steel and $440 million of aluminium to the US last year, according to US trade data.As highlighted by Albanese and other Australian ministers recently, Courtney noted the US maintains a trade surplus with Australia along with a free trade agreement since 2002.
“We will do everything we can to make sure that this administration changes course and treats our friends and our allies with the respect that they deserve.”, Australia had committed to buy three US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines at “full price, no gimmes, no giveaways”. The contribution Australian taxpayers were making to US shipbuilding would not only assist in the production of those boats but bolster US national security, he said.
Trump has not announced the details of his plan for tariffs on steel and aluminium, but foreshadowed the move while talking to reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday , and indicated he would have more to say about the matter within days.
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