Albanese makes fresh pitch to Trump for Australia to be given relief on tariffs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a fresh plea for Australia to be given relief from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs during a phone call between the two leaders overnight Thursday.

Trump agreed to “consider” the request.

Albanese described the wide-ranging conversation as productive, constructive and “very warm”.

He told a Friday news conference he asked Trump to “consider a full exemption” from the recently imposed 12.5% tariff, “or at the very least no increase” from the earlier 10% tariff.

Australia makes repeated representations against Trump’s tariffs.

The 12.5% has been imposed on a range of countries, including Australia, on the pretext they haven’t dealt with forced labour issues adequately.

In the discussion, Albanese pointed to Australia’s record on issues such as modern slavery, as well as reminding Trump of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement.

Australia and the president had different positions on tariffs, Albanese said.

“But I did ask that Australia’s position as a friend of the United States be considered and the president agreed that he would give consideration to my request.” Albanese said he and Trump would engage further when the prime minister visits the US at least twice in coming months.

He will be at the United Nations in New York in September and then the G20 in Florida in December.

The discussion also covered the Middle East, regional issues, AUKUS, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

Albanese said they also canvassed “a few personal issues” that he didn’t detail, and said the president had asked for “his best wishes [to be passed on] to the people of Australia”.

Heavy vehicle reforms to boost productivity A Friday meeting of federal, state and territory treasurers endorsed heavy vehicle reforms designed to boost productivity.

It is estimated the changes will increase GDP by up to $4.4 billion a year, making for a better road freight service that will benefit suppliers and consumers.