Labor maintains ‘pathway’ to Australian steel tariff exemption after Donald Trump doubles levy to 50pc

Donald Trump has stoked outrage after doubling the levy on Australia’s steel exports – but there still might be a “pathway” for an exemption.

Cabinet minister Amanda Rishworth says there is a “pathway” for Australia to obtain an exemption from Donald Trump’s upped tariffs on imported steel, with Anthony Albanese set to meet the US President in a weeks.

Her comments come after Mr Trump blindsided world leaders by announcing he would be doubling the levies on imported steel to 50 per cent in order to “further secure the steel industry in the United States”.

This is in addition to the 25 per cent on aluminium tariffs, plus a blanket 10 per cent levy on Australian goods.

Speaking on Sky on Sunday, Ms Rishworth said the government would “throw everything” at the negotiations, calling them “unjustifiable moves” and not what you’d expect from a “friend and an ally”.

“We have, of course, continued to work through this and been in contact with those Americans in the administration to work through in a methodical and consistent way,” she said.

“We’ll continue to put forward that these tariffs should be removed from Australian steel, and we’ll continue to do that and put forward our national industries.”

Labor Minister Amanda Rishworth said there was still a “pathway” forward to Australia to secure a tariff exemption. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

US President Donald Trump blindsided world leaders be announcing he would be doubling the tariffs on imported steel to 50 per cent in order to ‘further secure the steel industry in the United States’. Picture: NewsWire / Jim Watson / Pool / AFP

However she said she believed Australia would be able to secure an exemption.

“What we see is a pathway forward, which is to not apply these tariffs to Australian steel,” she said.

“I don’t need to remind you … that America sends a lot more stuff to Australia than we send to America.

“We have always had a very close relationship with America, and we expect to continue to work through this issue and put forward our consistent position.”

The Prime Minister is also set to speak to Mr Trump for the first time after securing a second term of government, with both leaders set to attend the G7 in Canada from June 15 to 17.

It’s expected the pair will speak on the sidelines of the summit.

Mr Albanese has also officially invited Mr Trump to visit Australia.

Trade Minister Don Farrell maintained on Saturday that the levies were an “act of economic self harm that will only hurt consumers and businesses who rely on free and fair trade”.

“Australia’s position has been consistent and clear,” Senator Farrell said on Saturday.

“We will continue to engage and advocate strongly for the removal of the tariffs. It is unjustified, and it’s not what you do to a friend and an ally.”

Donald Trump blindsided world leaders after he declared on Saturday that tariffs on imported steel will be hit with tariffs of 50 per cent, up from 25 per cent. Picture: Christian Gilles/ NewsWire

Newly minted Coalition finance spokesman James Paterson also told Sky on Sunday it was a “deeply disappointing decision” from the US government and said Mr Albanese had to “robustly stand up for Australia’s national interest”.

However Senator Paterson said it was “unfortunate” that Mr Albanese and Mr Trump’s first meeting will be at the G7, eight months after Mr Trump’s re-election in November.

“It has taken an inordinately long period of time for him to go over there and have that meeting, so we can have that face-to-face opportunity to build a personal rapport, to advocate for our interests,” he said.

Originally published as Labor maintains ‘pathway’ to Australian steel tariff exemption after Donald Trump doubles levy to 50pc