Overview

• Canberra and Washington committed to advance critical minerals supply chains and maritime patrol collaboration under their Quad and bilateral meetings.
• US officials confirmed no reduction or removal of tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium was agreed.
• The Trump administration did not press for Australia to raise defence spending to its 3.5 per cent of GDP target during talks.
• The AUKUS trilateral pact remains under review, placing Australia’s planned acquisition of Virginia-class submarines in doubt.
• Analysts and politicians warn Australia needs a unified Indo-Pacific strategy as public confidence in the US alliance under President Trump declines.