Donald trump tariffs update trade minister don farrell on us and europe deals before g7 in canada 20250608 p5zeby.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
This was published 1 year ago

Trade minister says US and Europe deals could would bring cheaper prices, higher wages

Sarah Swain
Sarah Swain

Powered by

Cheaper prices and higher wages, that's Trade Minister Don Farrell's promise if the government can secure new deals with the US and Europe.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to face US President Donald Trump in Canada, Australian officials are stressing "diverse partners" are key.

"Irrespective of what the Americans may do, we have a diverse group of trading partners," Farrell told Sky News today.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Trump orders 2000 troops to LA amid violent street clashes

Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State Don Farrell

Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State Don Farrell speaks ahead of the signing of the Australia UAE Trade Agreement, at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 6 November 2024. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen Alex Ellinghausen

What the Americans do may come down to a meeting between Trump and Albanese next week.

"Keir Starmer has now achieved a partial exemption from the steel and aluminium tariffs and Australia is at least as good an ally of the United States as the United Kingdom is and so there's no reason why the Prime Minister shouldn't at least be able to secure that exemption.," Liberal Senator James Paterson told the ABC's Insiders today.

Improved access to Australia's critical minerals, a market currently dominated by China, will be the central to talks with the US while American beef producers also want access to our market, currently restricted because of biosecurity concerns.

"I think it's incumbent to Australia and the rest of the world to say to America - these are exactly the wrong policies to adopt," Farrell said.

Australia's trade officials are currently negotiating on both sides of the Atlantic, seeking tariff relief from the US and a free trade agreement with the European Union. 

The $20 trillion trading block offers 440 million potential new consumers for Australian products.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Trump takes time out at UFC amid LA ICE riots, Musk feud

"I believe now there is an appetite on both sides - the world has changed," Farrell said.

Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Leaders from Europe will join Trump and Albanese in Canada next weekend for the G7 summit, which is shaping up as a crucial gathering for trade, defence and global security. AP

Leaders from Europe will join Trump and Albanese in Canada next weekend for the G7 summit, which is shaping up as a crucial gathering for trade, defence and global security.

Advertisement
Advertisement

"We need to be clear eyed about our prime minister standing up for our interests," Liberal MP Tim WIlson told Insiders.

READ MORE: The Washington power couple straddling the Trump-Musk feud

Also heading to Calgary is Indian leader Narendra Modi as officials continue to promote closer trade between Australia and India.

The government is promising not just cheaper prices on shelves but higher wages as well.

Advertisement

"If you're an outward-facing trading company in Australia your profits are going to be higher but more importantly the wages of your employees are going to be higher as well," Farrell said.

email icon

Contact us

Share a tip-off, video or photo with us

Most viewed in Australia

More to explore