Overview

• President Donald Trump confirmed he will speak with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese but did not specify a timeline for the call.
• Australia has been pushing for tariff exemptions after the US imposed a 10% universal tariff on exports and 25% levies on steel and aluminum in April.
• Albanese has faced domestic criticism, particularly from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, over his inability to secure a follow-up conversation with Trump since February.
• Labor minister Murray Watt emphasized Australia's multilevel diplomatic efforts, including through Ambassador Kevin Rudd and departmental officials, to address the tariffs.
• White House officials stated that Australia's upcoming federal election is not a barrier to ongoing trade discussions between the two nations.