Australian Treasurer Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemption During Washington Visit

Jim Chalmers meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss trade, tariffs, and economic ties as Australia lobbies for relief from Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs.

• Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers is in Washington, D.C., to advocate for an exemption from the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the Trump administration.
• Chalmers will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, marking their first in-person discussion since Bessent assumed his role.
• The visit coincides with a summit showcasing Australia's $2.8 trillion superannuation industry, highlighting its significant investments in the U.S. economy, including key electoral swing states.
• President Donald Trump has recently indicated he is considering exempting Australia from the tariffs, citing the strong trade surplus and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• Australian officials, including Ambassador Kevin Rudd, are emphasizing the mutual benefits of economic and defense collaboration in ongoing discussions with their American counterparts.

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