BHP Billiton chiefs meet Donald Trump in New York

BHP bosses have met Donald Trump just two months after warning the president-elect against a trade tariff on China.

“Mr Trump, I have some gentlemen here to see you.” BHP Billiton’s Geoff Healy, Andrew Mackenzie and Jac Nasser wait in the lobby of Trump Tower before meeting Donald Trump. Pic: AP

BHP Billiton’s most prominent executives have met with Donald Trump in New York just two months after the company warned the US president-elect to back away from a 45 per cent trade tariff on China.

The controversial policy was flagged through a heated election campaign that saw Mr Trump consistently hit out at Beijing.

At BHP’s meeting with Mr Trump and vice president-elect Mike Pence were chief executive Andrew Mackenzie, chairman Jac Nasser and chief legal counsel Geoff Healy.

In a brief statement, the mining giant said the discussions had been “productive” but declined to elaborate on the specific details of the talks.

“They discussed a wide range of subject areas, including the global resources sector, and BHP Billiton’s investment in the US,” the company said in a brief statement.

“The company looks forward to working with the new administration.”

It appears likely the topics of trade and climate change were among the key talking points following strong comments from the miner in the wake of Mr Trump’s shock election victory.

In November, Mr Nasser told shareholders at the group’s annual general meeting the world risked “trauma” if the kind of protectionism spruiked by the president-elect on the campaign trail came to pass.

“I can’t explain Donald Trump,” he said at the time.

“The whole world would be in complete trauma if tariff levels of that size and magnitude are put on across the board.”

Despite the concerns, Mr Nasser said he believed the pledges made would be toned down once Mr Trump took office.

“Some of the policies that have been listed ... will probably be moderated. It’s way too early (to tell what Mr Trump will do),” he said.

At the same AGM, Mr Mackenzie told investors the “strong foundation” built by the Paris climate accord was at risk as he urged Mr Trump to stay true to the agreement forged by current President Barack Obama.