Albanese discusses tariff exemption with Trump

Albanese discusses tariff exemption for Australian steel with Trump after US imposes 25% tariff on imports.

Published

12 months ago

February 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

Anthony Albanese discusses tariff exemption for Australian steel with Trump after US imposes 25% tariff on imports.

In Short

Anthony Albanese spoke with US President Donald Trump about potential tariff exemptions for Australian steel following Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on steel imports. Albanese emphasised the importance of the US-Australia alliance and pledged to advocate for Australia’s trade interests diplomatically.

This morning I had a great conversation with President @realDonaldTrump

We committed to working constructively together to advance Australian and American interests, drive economic prosperity and face shared challenges.

For decades, the Alliance between the United States and… pic.twitter.com/92884sewyD

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 10, 2025

The discussion included the possibility of a tariff exemption for Australian steel exports, although the specifics remain undisclosed.

Mr Albanese described the conversation as positive, emphasising the diplomatic approach required to advance Australia’s interests.

He noted that they mutually agreed on wording, indicating that an exemption is “under consideration.”

Albanese reaffirmed his commitment to free and fair trade, stating that he would advocate for Australia’s exemption from tariffs and navigate differences diplomatically.

He expressed the importance of the longstanding US-Australia alliance for promoting regional peace and stability.

The call comes after President Trump announced a blanket 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, affecting Australia as well.

Despite previous exemptions during Trump’s first term, the recent announcement has prompted concerns.

While seeking a new exemption, Australian leaders are urging the US to reconsider the imposition of these tariffs.

Albanese’s assertion of standing up for Australia’s national interests resonates amid calls for a fair trade dialogue.

He concluded that tariffs ultimately impact the major buyers of Australian products rather than Australia itself.

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

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Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

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Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy