Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined Australia’s strategy in dealing with US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, following a pause on imposing tariffs across most countries including Australia for 90 days.
“Changes that have occurred from day-to-day, what they emphasise is the need for a considered, calibrated, clear position when negotiating over these international issues, including with the Trump Administration,” Mr Albanese said.
“The US administration changes its position on a regular basis, on that fact, we need to make sure that Australia is considered in the way that we go forward, will continue to argue the case.
“What I did was, after a contribution by President Trump that finished at 8pm, I was on my feet within minutes, literally, the first in the world to respond. We responded with a comprehensive plan.
“There were two options that we prepared for. The feedback we had from the US administration was that they were engaging, including with us, about exemptions.
“Their second option was to do a blanket position across the board and then try to pull some of them back.
“What we did was prepare for both scenarios. Of course it was not clear to people, including people we went negotiating with, precisely what would occur.”