Latest news with #USInternationalTradeCommission
Fibre2Fashion
6 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
High tariffs cut value of US RMG imports from China in May by 52% YoY
High tariffs reduced the value of US apparel imports from China in May this year by 52 per cent year on year (YoY), data from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) reveal. China's market share in US apparel imports in May also dropped to 9.9 per cent, a new low in decades; it was 19.9 per cent in May 2024. High tariffs cut US apparel imports value from China in May by 52 per cent YoY, USITC data show. China's market share in US apparel imports in May also dropped to 9.9 per cent, a new low in decades. Due to reciprocal tariffs, the average tariff rate for US apparel imports grew to 23.8 per cent in May, up several points from the already record-setting 20.8 per cent seen in April, a US academic said. The May trade insights, compiled by University of Delaware professor of fashion and apparel studies Sheng Lu using USITC data, revealed that tariff rates on fashion products (especially steep duties on China-originating goods) ballooned beyond levels seen in the modern era. As a result of the Trump administration's reciprocal tariff regime, the average tariff rate for US apparel imports grew to 23.8 per cent in May this year, up several points from the already record-setting 20.8 per cent seen in April, and substantially higher than the 13.9 per cent average rate in May 2024, and even the 14.7 per cent rate of January 2025, before the president's second term began, he wrote on his website. While the overall value of US apparel imports decreased by 7 per cent YoY, import duties grew by almost 60 per cent during the same duration. 'In May, I think most of the [average apparel tariff] increase was because of China. And for the rest of the world, they were charged a 10 per cent universal tariff rate. Some products, especially those from Asia, were able to enter [the country] in May before the new tariff rate hit,' Lu said. Across the board, all countries paid more duties on apparel in May than they did in previous months due to the universal baseline tariff. Vietnam's average apparel import duty rate reached 25.9 per cent, up from 20.5 per cent in April, while Bangladesh saw a similar percentage jump from 17.8 per cent to 21.1 per cent month on month (MoM). India's average clothing tariff rate climbed from 15.8 per cent to 20.1 per cent, while Cambodia's increased from 19.7 per cent to 24.6 per cent. Mexico, however, saw its average import duties paid on apparel products decrease from 2.2 per cent in April to 1.4 per cent in May — nearly the same rate it paid a year ago. But the country's apparel import values jumped considerably YoY, by 12.2 per cent. Mexico's apparel imports are covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), giving them duty-free access. However, the country still only accounted for 4.6 per cent of US apparel sourcing in May this year. 'The signal is very clear—the Trump administration not only wants to decouple from China, but it wants Asian countries to decouple their supply chains from China,' Lu noted. But the US administration's target of encouraging Asian nations to abandon China as a partner 'does not appear to be realistic, at least in the near to medium term,' with so much dependence on the country for inputs, he added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Trade turns turbulent; here's how India is tracking the winds
India is building a global trade data intelligence system that will offer real-time insights and early warnings of emerging stress points, two people aware of the matter said. The commerce ministry initiative called Global Trade Watch is modelled on similar efforts in the US, EU and China, and part of a drive to fortify export strategy amid escalating trade volatility. The initiative will integrate inputs from various ministries and agencies to track sector-specific performance across goods and services. It will be accessible on the ministry's website and also published as a monthly physical booklet every month. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed that the initiative will be rolled out next month, but did not offer details. A ministry spokesperson didn't respond to emailed queries. Proactive decision-making 'This marks a clear shift toward proactive and intelligent trade policymaking," one of the two people cited earlier said. 'The feature is built to enhance inter-ministerial coordination and provide policymakers with timely, actionable insights tailored to their respective sectors," the person added. India's model draws from global best practices such as the US International Trade Commission's sectoral monitoring system, China's AI-driven demand tracking, and the EU's expansive trade surveillance framework. Initially, it will be available only for policymakers, but will open to the wider public later. The system will flag sectors with flat or declining exports, monitor global trade policy shifts, and identify early signs of disruption or opportunity. 'Timely move' Global Trade Watch is designed to support timely, data-driven policy responses to changing trade winds. The rollout comes at a time of geopolitical tensions, tariff realignments, and shifting supply chains. The plan is timely and welcome, said Ajay Sahai, director general, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). "In an era of dynamic shifts in global trade, having a credible, data-driven platform to track developments, trends, and policies will be invaluable for exporters, policymakers, and analysts alike. This initiative promises to bring greater transparency, foster informed decision-making and strengthen India's integration with global markets," he said. The platform will issue general and sector-specific alerts, including notifications on policy changes in key markets, developments related to free trade agreements, commodity-specific shifts, and geography-based risks. Staying informed 'Unlike static dashboards, Global Trade Watch will deliver sharper, policy-relevant signals that go beyond surface-level data," the person mentioned earlier said. Initially, access will be restricted to line ministries and government departments, with wider access for exporters, investors, and industry associations expected thereafter. 'It will enable ministries to track trade policy shifts across countries, monitor changes affecting specific products, and assess their strategic implications, whether by region, commodity, or trade bloc," the person said. It will also monitor global supply chain disruptions, such as export restrictions on critical minerals, and assess their implications for India. "This will enable ministries involved in policy-making to stay informed about developments relevant to their sectors, be it in terms of geography, product categories, or areas of strategic interest," the person mentioned above added. Emerging opportunities Global Trade Watch will also highlight emerging opportunities arising from changes in free trade agreements (FTAs), trade restrictions, tariff surges, or shifts in geopolitical alignments. Line ministries will receive alerts relevant to their respective import councils, allowing them to assess risks and take corrective steps. It will also track policy shifts and decisions at the World Trade Organization (WTO), enabling a comprehensive understanding of evolving multilateral trade rules, the second person mentioned above said. 'Given the growing uncertainty in global tariffs, particularly due to US policy moves, Global Trade Watch will keep stakeholders informed on how such changes affect India and its trading partners," said the person mentioned above. 'Since the commerce ministry leads most of the bilateral and multilateral negotiations, the insights will be presented in a simplified, digestible format to help policymakers across sectors act swiftly and with clarity," the person added. Market trends Exporters welcomed the initiative. Vipul Shah, former chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council and managing director of Asian Star Co., said the upcoming feature could improve strategic planning. 'Global Trade Watch will help in understanding evolving market trends, especially in key export destinations," Shah said. 'With timely and structured data, exporters will be better equipped to assess demand patterns, identify emerging opportunities, and plan their export strategies more effectively," he added. However, some trade experts remain cautious. Pankaj Chadha, chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council and managing director of Jyoti Steel Industries said while the feature is a good initiative, the accuracy of the data will be a critical factor. "If the data isn't reliable, then we are all basing our strategies on something that may not reflect the real picture. However, if the data is accurate, I think it will be a very valuable tool for the industry," Chadha added.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
US launches anti-dumping probe into Egyptian rebar exports
Arab Finance: The US International Trade Commission announced a preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation into imports of steel concrete reinforcing bars (rebar) from Egypt, Algeria, Bulgaria, and Vietnam. Unless the Department of Commerce extends the time for initiation, the commission shall issue a preliminary determination by July 21 st on whether Egyptian and other mentioned countries materially injured or threatened the US industry. The commission will also have to present its views to the commerce within five business days thereafter, or by July 28 th, 2025. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Advertiser
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Albanese hits out at Trump's 'economic self harm'
US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Australia's steel exports are an act of "economic self harm", Anthony Albanese says ahead of an expected face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. The US president plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure" the domestic industry. The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. The prime minister will attend the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, where he might hold talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines. But a meeting is yet to be confirmed. Mr Albanese is under pressure to secure an exemption for Australia's products. "This is an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the United States," he told reporters in Hobart on Sunday. "This is something that will just increase the cost for consumers in the United States. "Which is why it is an inappropriate action by the Trump administration." Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson said Australia needed to "robustly defend" the international free trade system which it benefits from. Mr Albanese must make the case to Mr Trump that the tariffs are particularly unjustifiable on Australia due to the trade surplus the US has, he added. "It's very important the prime minister does that in a way that is respectful but assertive," Senator Paterson said. Trade Minister Don Farrell reiterated the call for the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. He said the government doesn't believe retaliation is the "right way to go here". Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's move was concerning for Australian jobs. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries," he said. The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Australia's steel exports are an act of "economic self harm", Anthony Albanese says ahead of an expected face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. The US president plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure" the domestic industry. The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. The prime minister will attend the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, where he might hold talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines. But a meeting is yet to be confirmed. Mr Albanese is under pressure to secure an exemption for Australia's products. "This is an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the United States," he told reporters in Hobart on Sunday. "This is something that will just increase the cost for consumers in the United States. "Which is why it is an inappropriate action by the Trump administration." Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson said Australia needed to "robustly defend" the international free trade system which it benefits from. Mr Albanese must make the case to Mr Trump that the tariffs are particularly unjustifiable on Australia due to the trade surplus the US has, he added. "It's very important the prime minister does that in a way that is respectful but assertive," Senator Paterson said. Trade Minister Don Farrell reiterated the call for the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. He said the government doesn't believe retaliation is the "right way to go here". Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's move was concerning for Australian jobs. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries," he said. The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Australia's steel exports are an act of "economic self harm", Anthony Albanese says ahead of an expected face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. The US president plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure" the domestic industry. The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. The prime minister will attend the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, where he might hold talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines. But a meeting is yet to be confirmed. Mr Albanese is under pressure to secure an exemption for Australia's products. "This is an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the United States," he told reporters in Hobart on Sunday. "This is something that will just increase the cost for consumers in the United States. "Which is why it is an inappropriate action by the Trump administration." Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson said Australia needed to "robustly defend" the international free trade system which it benefits from. Mr Albanese must make the case to Mr Trump that the tariffs are particularly unjustifiable on Australia due to the trade surplus the US has, he added. "It's very important the prime minister does that in a way that is respectful but assertive," Senator Paterson said. Trade Minister Don Farrell reiterated the call for the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. He said the government doesn't believe retaliation is the "right way to go here". Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's move was concerning for Australian jobs. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries," he said. The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Australia's steel exports are an act of "economic self harm", Anthony Albanese says ahead of an expected face-to-face meeting between the two leaders. The US president plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure" the domestic industry. The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. The prime minister will attend the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, where he might hold talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines. But a meeting is yet to be confirmed. Mr Albanese is under pressure to secure an exemption for Australia's products. "This is an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the United States," he told reporters in Hobart on Sunday. "This is something that will just increase the cost for consumers in the United States. "Which is why it is an inappropriate action by the Trump administration." Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson said Australia needed to "robustly defend" the international free trade system which it benefits from. Mr Albanese must make the case to Mr Trump that the tariffs are particularly unjustifiable on Australia due to the trade surplus the US has, he added. "It's very important the prime minister does that in a way that is respectful but assertive," Senator Paterson said. Trade Minister Don Farrell reiterated the call for the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. He said the government doesn't believe retaliation is the "right way to go here". Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's move was concerning for Australian jobs. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries," he said. The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency".
The Advertiser
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Softy, softly response to Trump's hard line on steel
Australia will not retaliate despite Donald Trump's "wrong" tariff hike decision on steel imports. Mr Trump plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling on the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. "This will simply push up the price for consumers in the United States and do nothing for the prosperity of both of our nations," he told reporters on Saturday. Mr Farrell said the government would work with the US but reiterate the view that tariffs were "the wrong course of action" and "don't do what President Trump claims they will do". "We don't believe that retaliation is the right way to go here," he said. "We're going to cooly and calmly argue our case for the removal of these tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's call was concerning for Australian jobs. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. "And it could exacerbate the surge in imported low-priced steel that is damaging the industry." It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. The latest tariff hike comes after a US federal court blocked the president's Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". Australia will not retaliate despite Donald Trump's "wrong" tariff hike decision on steel imports. Mr Trump plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling on the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. "This will simply push up the price for consumers in the United States and do nothing for the prosperity of both of our nations," he told reporters on Saturday. Mr Farrell said the government would work with the US but reiterate the view that tariffs were "the wrong course of action" and "don't do what President Trump claims they will do". "We don't believe that retaliation is the right way to go here," he said. "We're going to cooly and calmly argue our case for the removal of these tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's call was concerning for Australian jobs. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. "And it could exacerbate the surge in imported low-priced steel that is damaging the industry." It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. The latest tariff hike comes after a US federal court blocked the president's Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". Australia will not retaliate despite Donald Trump's "wrong" tariff hike decision on steel imports. Mr Trump plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling on the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. "This will simply push up the price for consumers in the United States and do nothing for the prosperity of both of our nations," he told reporters on Saturday. Mr Farrell said the government would work with the US but reiterate the view that tariffs were "the wrong course of action" and "don't do what President Trump claims they will do". "We don't believe that retaliation is the right way to go here," he said. "We're going to cooly and calmly argue our case for the removal of these tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's call was concerning for Australian jobs. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. "And it could exacerbate the surge in imported low-priced steel that is damaging the industry." It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. The latest tariff hike comes after a US federal court blocked the president's Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". Australia will not retaliate despite Donald Trump's "wrong" tariff hike decision on steel imports. Mr Trump plans to increase tariffs on foreign steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The move could impact 100,000 Australian jobs, with the sector exporting more than $414 million worth of products to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling on the Trump administration to reverse the decision and drop all tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. "This will simply push up the price for consumers in the United States and do nothing for the prosperity of both of our nations," he told reporters on Saturday. Mr Farrell said the government would work with the US but reiterate the view that tariffs were "the wrong course of action" and "don't do what President Trump claims they will do". "We don't believe that retaliation is the right way to go here," he said. "We're going to cooly and calmly argue our case for the removal of these tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said Mr Trump's call was concerning for Australian jobs. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." The industry's peak body says it will continue to work with the federal government to push for an exemption from the Trump administration. "The subsequent disruptions to global steel trade could see Australia become a dumping ground for imported steel," Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain said. "And it could exacerbate the surge in imported low-priced steel that is damaging the industry." It took Australia nine months of lobbying before it secured a tariff exemption during Mr Trump's first administration. The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. The latest tariff hike comes after a US federal court blocked the president's Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration has launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency".
