Anthony Albanese says countries can use trade to guard against conflict, promote stability
Anthony Albanese said building trade relationships could help nations “work it out rather than have it out,” in a veiled hit at Donald Trump’s punishing tariff regime.
Anthony Albanese has urged countries to use trade to promote peace and de-escalate conflicts, saying nations should “work it out rather than have it out” in a veiled jab at the United States’ tariff regime.
The comments come just days after US President Donald Trump backflipped on 10 per cent tariffs on beef and other food products like coffee and tomatoes.
Beef is Australia’s largest trading item with the US and is worth about $2bn a year. American importers will now get a refund for any past duties paid.
The Prime Minister will use a speech at RMIT University’s APEC Study Centre on Monday to say that trade can act as “a bulwark against conflict,” noting Mr Trump’s “positive meeting” with Chinese President Xi Jinping at this year’s APEC Summit in South Korea.
He will also emphasise Australia’s position as a leader in the Asia-Pacific, stating that “more than ever, we seek our security in Asia, not from it”.
The 21-member forum includes countries such as China, the US, Japan and Papua New Guinea, and accounts for about 75 per cent of Australia’s trade, and more than 60 per cent of global GDP.
“It can incentivise de-escalation – even at the highest levels. Because trade doesn’t happen in isolation,” Mr Albanese is expected to say.
“For the economic benefits to flow at home, you need to be able to trust partners overseas. That reliance on trust and mutual benefit encourages nations to work out their differences with dialogue.
“To work it out rather than to have it out.”
While Mr Albanese didn’t explicitly refer to the US tariffs regime he said there had been a “return of nativism,” naming Brexit and protectionism, which includes economic policies like tariffs.
Instead he said that as a middle power Australia was “geographically-centred” be a leader in the Asia-Pacific.
He said Australia could “step up,” and “give voice to the aspirations and priorities of our neighbours and our region.”
Mr Albanese used the example of Australia’s Pukpuk Mutual Defence Treaty with Papua New Guinea, and Australia’s bilateral treaty on common security with Indonesia, both of which serve the dual purpose of boosting regional relationships and deterring China’s influence in the area.
“To take the more fragmented and uncertain world and to look for opportunities to bring others together – and bring them along with us … because when we act in pursuit of Australia’s national interest, in line with Australian values, without arrogance or bluster we can provide leadership to others.”
Mr Albanese’s calls for free trade also comes as Australia is pursuing multi-billion-dollar free trade agreements with India and the European Nations.
Labor has also lauded the removal of about $20bn worth of trade restrictions between Australia and China, removing tariffs on Australian wine, beef, lobster and barley exports.
Asked about the US backflip on beef tariffs, Mr Albanese said Australia will continue to advocate for the removal of all tariffs, and welcomed the “strong advocacy” from Trade Minister Don Farrell.
“Australia does not have tariffs on US goods or services. We believe very firmly and will continue to advocate for us to have zero tariffs,” he said.
Originally published as Anthony Albanese says countries can use trade to guard against conflict, promote stability
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