Coalition Calls for Trump Meeting as Australia Seeks Steel Tariff Relief

Credit: Kevin Hogan MP FB page

Australia's Shadow Trade Minister Kevin Hogan criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to secure a face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump, as the opposition pushes for tariff exemptions similar to those granted to the United Kingdom last month.

The US struck a deal with Britain in May, maintaining steel import levies at 25% but offering potential relief if key conditions are met by July. Australia, which exports about 1% of its steel production to America, was not included in the arrangement.

"We do want the Prime Minister to get on the front foot, have a physical meeting, which he has yet to do seven months in since the president's been elected, to carve out deals and negotiate a deal for us as well," Hogan told Sky News Afternoon Agenda on Wednesday.

The Deputy Nationals Leader described Trump's tariff policies as "bad policy" that hurts global growth and American consumers by making goods more expensive. However, he emphasized Australia should seek exemptions without offering concessions in return.

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