Australian PM Says Asked Trump For Tariff Exemption In Phone Call

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reported on Friday that he had a warm and productive conversation with former US President Donald Trump, during which Trump agreed to consider a tariff exemption for Australia. Albanese informed journalists that he requested either a full exemption or at least no increase in tariffs imposed on Australia last month.

These tariffs were a result of alleged forced labor concerns, which were also imposed on 59 other countries. In the conversation, Albanese emphasized that Australia's friendship with the US should be taken into account, and the president agreed to carefully consider his request.

Albanese clarified that their positions differ when it comes to tariffs, asserting that tariffs are an economic imposition that imposes costs on the countries imposing them, supporting free and fair trade. They also discussed progress in the Aukus security partnership, which envisions Australia receiving at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States within the next 15 years.

Additionally, the leaders addressed the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Albanese reiterating Australia's stance that Iran should not be permitted to possess nuclear weapons. He expressed the desire for an end to the conflict.