Australia Rules Out Retaliation If Trump Imposes Steel, Aluminium Tariffs

‘There’s a whole lot of compelling reasons why we can work closer together without the imposition of tariffs,’ Industry Minister Ed Husic.

In an aerial view, shipping containers are organized at the Houston Port of Authority in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 10, 2025. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Australia will not retaliate if the Trump administration decides to levy 25 percent tariffs on steel or aluminium imports, according to a Labor cabinet minister.

The comments come after the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with the U.S. president about a possible exemption for the tariffs given the trade surplus the United States has with Australia (about a two to one ratio).