US Accuses Australia of Breaking Aluminum Export Commitment Amid Tariff Threats

US President Donald Trump has accused Australia of violating a verbal commitment to limit aluminum exports, leading to the imposition of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports starting March 12. Despite these claims, Australian officials, including Treasurer Jim Chalmers, assert that no breach occurred and emphasize the positive tone of recent discussions between Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump indicated he would 'give great consideration' to an exemption for Australia following their phone call, which addressed various bilateral issues. The proclamation cites a significant increase in aluminum imports from Australia as justification for the tariffs. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has refuted Trump's claims, stating that the previous negotiations primarily focused on steel. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in US-Australian trade relations as both nations navigate past agreements and new trade policies.