Tony Abbott wants Australia to push back on Trump’s 'punitive' tariffs on allies
The former prime minister conceded that US tariffs on China, Australia's biggest trading partner, are understandable. But he was less eager about those targeting Canada.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott is urging Australia to lobby the Trump administration against “punitive tariffs on like-minded friends and allies” after it followed through on its threats to impose a charge on imports from Canada.
Canada and Mexico have already announced retaliatory measures after the White House confirmed it would impose 25% tariffs on both countries over border security concerns. The move has revived fears of a universal impost on all countries’ exports to the US, potentially including Australia.
However, the measure with the most significant economic implications for Australia is the 10% tariff targeting China, Australia’s largest trading partner.
Labor has sought to repair economic ties with Beijing after relations hit a low point during the Covid-19 pandemic under the former Morrison government.
