On Tuesday, U.S. President Trump hinted at the possibility of having another conversation with Australian Prime Minister Albanese to discuss import tariffs on Australia. Trump stated that Canberra has been requesting a meeting. A few days later, Australia will hold its elections, and Trump has been a popular topic.
In response to reporters' questions, Trump said, "They've been calling, yes, I will talk to him." Since mid-February, when Trump agreed during a conference call to consider exempting Australia from the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, he has not spoken with Albanese again. However, Australia has not received an exemption from these tariffs and was imposed a 10% "reciprocal" tariff in early April. At that time, Albanese remarked that this decision was "not the behavior of friends."
When asked whether Trump and Albanese would speak before Saturday's election, Australian Treasury Minister Jim Chalmers did not respond directly, stating, "I will leave it to others to detail any discussions on this issue, but we have been clear that we will communicate whenever possible."
Polls indicate that Albanese could continue to govern with a narrow majority in the upcoming election or secure re-election with the support of smaller parties and independent members.
