“President Trump’s agreement to consider an exemption for Australian steel, aluminium and iron from a 25 per cent tariff is a welcome first step to protect vital industries with more than 100,000 mostly regional jobs,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, the Australian Industry Group, said today.
“It was very important that Australia has been able to get on the front foot so soon after President Trump’s announcement,” Mr Willox said.
“We must now use every lever at our disposal to influence the American administration to reverse course and withdraw the proposed tariff against Australia.
“This negotiation has a long way to run.
“It is very important that the next round of negotiations ensure any agreement on exemptions is very specific in any executive order.
“The Prime Minister’s conversation with President Trump was an important marker in our economic relationship with the United States under its new administration.
“Resolution of this issue will be important to give Australian businesses across the board confidence and certainty in their dealings with their American partners.
“Even if we achieve an exemption, there are still questions about the wider impact of the proposed Trump tariffs on Australian industry.
“The tariffs would disrupt global trade flows with the risk that while Australia gained a direct exemption, our economy would still become a dumping ground for excess steel and aluminium.
“The Trump decision is a salient reminder that Australia must have a transparent and responsive anti-dumping system in place to help us navigate an increasingly volatile global trading environment,” Mr Willox said.
