Australia Seeks Closer Trade Ties with Philippines After US Tariffs Deemed Unjustifiable

SYDNEY, Australia – In an effort to lessen dependence on the United States, Australia plans to work towards expanding free trade deals with various nations, according to Trade Minister Don Farrell. He criticized President Donald Trump’s “unwarranted” tariffs during his statement on Sunday.

Australia is a strong partner of the U.S., yet it faces a flat 10 percent tariff on products sent to America under President Trump’s extensive new duties, which escalates to 50 percent for steel and aluminum imports.

"I am optimistic that nations worldwide, which support open and equitable trade, can come together to forge accords extending free trade globally. This way, regardless of America’s choices, we will have a wider array of trading allies," Farrell said to Sky News.

After discussions held last week in Paris with entities such as the World Trade Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and several nations, he mentioned that these meetings centered around stopping "protectionist" measures and promoting open and equitable trading practices.

The trade between Australia and the United States is valued at around Aus$100 billion (US$65 billion) annually, according to Farrell, with Australia importing significantly more from the U.S. than it exports to them.

He mentioned that he had objected to the duties earlier this week when speaking with his US counterpart, Jamieson Greer.

"The stance I've conveyed to Jamieson Greer is that the tariffs the U.S. has levied on Australia are unwarranted," Farrell stated.

We aim for the complete elimination of all tariffs, rather than having only some of them removed.

Last month, the European Union announced that it aims to establish a defense alliance with Australia. This move comes as the bloc seeks to create a cohesive worldwide stance in reaction to the conflict in Ukraine and various other global emergencies.

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