Australia may challenge US tariffs at WTO

Reuters

Australia is considering a formal dispute at the World Trade Organization over President Donald Trump's plan to double steel and aluminum tariffs, as Canberra warns of economic harm and prepares for upcoming talks.

Australia is assessing whether to challenge the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) following President Donald Trump’s announcement to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, local media reported Monday.

Australian steel and aluminum products currently face a 10% tariff baseline, but details on Canberra’s strategy to oppose the increased tariffs have not been disclosed, according to SBS News.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet Trump at the G7 summit in Canada later this month, where he plans to clearly communicate Australia’s position through multiple diplomatic channels.

SBS quoted Albanese describing the tariffs as “an act of economic self-harm by the United States” that will raise costs for American consumers without providing any real competitive advantage or disadvantage to exporters from other countries.

The Australian government views the Trump administration’s move as inappropriate and is exploring all options to protect its trade interests.

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