The Australian Government is urging consumers to support local industries after the United States imposed a 25% tariff on Australian steel and aluminium exports.
The tariffs, which apply to all US trading partners, follow Australia’s failed bid for an exemption.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the decision “very disappointing” but vowed to keep pushing for a reversal.
To counter the impact, he announced new funding in the upcoming March 25 budget to boost a ‘Buy Australian’ campaign, encouraging shoppers to choose local products.
Meanwhile, global trade tensions are rising. Canada and the EU have retaliated with their own tariffs, but Albanese ruled out a similar move for Australia.
He also rejected calls to scrap the $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong hinted that Australia’s critical minerals could be used as leverage in negotiations with the US.
With $800 million in steel exports to the US at risk, unions are demanding greater investment in local steel production, warning the tariffs could hurt Australian jobs and manufacturing.