Aussies are calling for a boycott of American goods as Donald Trump is set to slap a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel imports.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Wednesday morning that Australia would not be exempt from the tariffs – as it had been during Trump’s first term.
Trump had ‘considered it and considered against it,’ Ms Leavitt said.
She added the United States was prioritising ‘American-first steel’ and that Australian-owned companies could ‘consider moving steel manufacturing’ to the US in order to be exempt from the tariffs.
Australians were quick to condemn the announcement on social media, with some suggesting the country should respond with tariffs on American imports.
‘Let’s take (Jim) Beam and JD off the shelves, or add a tariff to all US alcohol products,’ said one.
‘Reciprocated tariffs on any USA steel or aluminium products coming into Australia for starters. I’m sure there must be some,’ said another.
‘Australia has to counter with tariffs on American goods like Canada did,’ said a third.
The tariffs, which will make Australian steel and aluminium much more expensive to US buyers and therefore crush demand, will be imposed from 3pm on Wednesday
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said on Monday said his government would ‘continue to engage constructively’ with the United States on getting an exemption to the tariffs
‘Every country should block all imports to the US,’ fumed a fourth.
‘See how many soda cans and car parts they can make with NO aluminium for a few weeks and see how that goes for them.’
The tariffs, which will make Australian steel and aluminium much more expensive to US buyers and therefore crush demand, will be imposed from 3pm on Wednesday (AEDT).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said on Monday said his government would ‘continue to engage constructively’ with the United States on getting an exemption to the tariffs, but Wednesday’s announcement ended those hopes.
‘It is in Australia’s interest, but it’s also in the economic interests of the United States for Australia to be exempted,’ Mr Albanese said.
