Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked US President Donald Trump to withdraw tariffs imposed on Australia, or at least not raise them further. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Albanese said he had discussed the matter with Trump and urged him to consider a full removal of the measures. The report was published on August 14, 2026.

The United States imposed a 12.5 percent tariff on Australian goods last month, citing concerns about forced labour. It also imposed tariffs on 59 other countries for the same reason. Albanese described his discussion with Trump as “warm and constructive” and said the US president had agreed to consider exempting Australia from the tariffs.

Albanese said Australia views tariffs as economic pressure and supports free and fair trade, arguing that tariffs also carry costs for the countries that impose them. Their discussion also covered progress on the AUKUS defence partnership involving Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the arrangement, Australia is expected to receive at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States within 15 years. Albanese also reiterated Australia’s opposition to Iran possessing nuclear weapons and called for an end to conflict in the Middle East.