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Minns to Albo: protect NSW jobs from US trade war

Premier Chris Minns has called in the Federal government to devise urgent measures to protect NSW manufacturing jobs from the Trump-induced “trade war” with China.

‘Will be seismic’: US’ trade war with Canada and Mexico could impact Australia

Premier Chris Minns will instruct his Trade Minister Anoulack Chianthivong to urgently speak with his federal counterpart Trade Minister Don Farrell about protecting manufacturing jobs in NSW in the face of rising tariffs from the US.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Mr Minns said the trade war taking place between North American countries and affecting trade with China was a serious threat to jobs in NSW.

This comes after US President Donald Trump imposed new 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, with a lower rate of 10 per cent on imports from China.

Premier Chris Minns will see urgent measures to protects NSW jobs from US tariffs. Picture Thomas Lisson
Premier Chris Minns will see urgent measures to protects NSW jobs from US tariffs. Picture Thomas Lisson

The Premier said the “major changes” to international trade could have severe effects on manufacturing jobs in the state, due to cheaper Chinese goods undercutting NSW-made products.

“Jobs could be on the line if we get this wrong, and I want to speak specifically about the potential for dumping Chinese products on the Australian domestic market,” he said.

“Cheaper goods coming into the Australian market in the short run, undermining manufacturing in NSW – I’m worried about steel manufacturing, aluminium manufacturing as well as Western Sydney construction materials.”

“Prices will be lower in the short run, but they won’t stay low forever, and we could lose out on jobs and industries during that period.

“In the longer run, we have to be prepared. If there’s a 10% tariff on Chinese goods what does that do to the Chinese economy, and then the reciprocal impact on Australia’s economy.”

US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)
US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday that while trade between the US and Australia is still tariff-free, Trump’s trade agenda would have an impact on global markets.

“President Trump is implementing the agenda he said he would, so that is no surprise. Obviously, that’s going to affect global markets, and we understand that,” she said.

“We also understand that we best approach this by our close engagement with the United

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Originally published as Minns to Albo: protect NSW jobs from US trade war

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/nsw/minns-to-albo-protect-nsw-jobs-from-us-trade-war/news-story/abaca8eea78a1ca0aca8033eb720b4f1