Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed that Australia will be exempt from US steel or aluminum tariffs once the US President Donald Trump signs an executive order, according to media reports.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia. He is committed to having a very fair and reciprocal military and trade relationship. Working very quickly on a security agreement so we don’t have to impose steel or aluminum tariffs on our ally, the great nation of Australia!” Trump stated via social media.
“Great discussion today on security and trade. Australia/US trade is fair & reciprocal & each of our nations has no closer ally. Thank you for confirming new tariffs won’t have to be imposed on Australian steel & aluminum - good for jobs in Australia and in US!” Mr. Turnbull replied.
Regarding the exemption, Mr. Turnbull told reporters that legal paperwork confirming the exemption is yet to be completed, but an executive order would put Trump’s direction in place.