Minister Says Trump Opted Not to Hike Tariffs on Australia, Credits ‘Calm’ Diplomacy

‘This means products like wine, like beef, like lamb, like wheat ... are cheaper into the United States,’ said Trade Minister Don Farrell.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell speaks to the media during a press conference on Day 6 of the 2025 federal election campaign, in Melbourne, Australia on April 3, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australia has escaped steep tariff hikes from the United States, thanks to what Labor Trade Minister Don Farrell called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s “cool and calm” diplomacy.

On Aug. 1, U.S. President Donald Trump released a list of updated tariffs on countries worldwide after considering issues like the “lack of reciprocity” in bilateral trade relationships, and the impact of “tariff rates and non-tariff barriers” on U.S. exports.