Australia Criticizes US 25% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum

Australia and the UK have expressed strong discontent over the recently imposed U.S. tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the tariffs as 'unjustified' and a 'recipe for slower growth and higher inflation,' emphasizing the tariffs undermine the close ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, the UK steel industry is struggling with high energy costs and subdued demand, and officials are urging the UK government to negotiate exemptions from the tariffs. The National Farmers' Federation of Australia has also voiced concerns, highlighting the importance of free trade and the potential impacts on exports to the U.S. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused Australia of subsidizing cheap aluminum exports, adding to the tensions surrounding the trade relationship. Both countries are now seeking to bolster their trade defenses amidst a challenging global economic landscape.