Australia pushes tariffs removal amid US court ruling
Australia will continue to push for the removal of Donald Trump's "unjustified" tariffs following a US court's decision to block the taxes on imported goods from going into effect.
The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said the government would study the ruling closely, noting the duties might be subject to further legal proceedings.
"The Albanese government has been consistent in the view that these tariffs on Australian imports into the US are unjustified," he said.
"We will continue to engage and strongly advocate for the removal of tariffs.
"The Albanese government will always stand up for Australia's national interests, including Australian jobs and Australian industries."
Australian goods are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US have been slapped with 25 per cent tariffs.
Labor has sought to temper expectations on whether it can land a deal with the US to remove the tariffs.
The lawsuit was brought on by the Liberty Justice Centre on behalf of five small US businesses that import goods, and was the first major challenge to the tariffs.
The Trump administration immediately lodged an appeal of the decision, saying: "It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency."
The American court ruled the US Constitution gave the Congress exclusive powers to regulate commerce with other countries, which were not overruled by the president's emergency powers to safeguard the economy.
As the Trump administration moves to stop Harvard University teaching international students, Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has vowed the embassy was working with the US on the impact of the decision on Australians and their families.
with Reuters
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