Washington, Mar 27 (UNI) Australia plans to develop ties with the Indo-Pacific countries and diversify trade relations around the world in response to the tariffs imposed by the United States, the country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC radio.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing tariffs of 25% on all deliveries of steel and aluminum to the country, which came into force on March 12. Among other countries, the restrictions apply to imports from Australia. Canberra made attempts to get Washington to cancel the tariffs, but the White House did not make exceptions. Later, the American president announced his intention to introduce additional import duties from April 2, which may also affect Australia.
"What we'll always do is stand up for Australia's national interest - that is what we will do. That's what we've done in advocating for Australia's national interest. But we're also doing this, we've got our Future Made in Australia agenda. We're making sure as well that we set Australia up by not being reliant on any one country by diversifying our trade relationships and by improving those relationships in our region and around the world," Albanese said.
He claimed that Washington's decision to impose tariffs was neither in the interest of Australia nor in the interest of the United States.
Earlier, Albanese, amid the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on aluminum and steel imports by the United States, called on fellow citizens to buy Australian goods in order to support local producers.
Australia is one of the world's largest producers of aluminum and steel. At the same time, according to the Australian government, exports of these products to the United States make up less than 0.2% of the country's total exports.
UNI SPUTNIK GNK