Anthony Albanese has stated he will not yield to President Donald Trump following the scrutiny by the U.S. trade body on Australia's subsidized medicine system, meat and fruit industries, and the updated media bargaining code for potential tariffs.
On Wednesday, U.S. time, Trump is anticipated to reveal a series of tariffs aimed at boosting the domestic industry. The U.S. trade representative's office released a report on "foreign trade barriers," highlighting Australia's biosecurity measures on importing U.S. beef, pork, and poultry as a primary concern.
Additionally, the trade body criticized Australia's approach to offering generic drugs at reduced prices without notifying U.S. patent owners. It also raised issues with Australia's efforts to strengthen laws mandating that foreign social media companies compensate Australian media for news and plans to increase local content quotas for streaming services.
Albanese expressed concern over the report's targeting of the news bargaining incentive, pharmaceuticals, and biosecurity controls, stating these issues are non-negotiable. "The idea that we would weaken biosecurity laws is like cutting off your nose to spite your face," Albanese remarked in Adelaide, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Australia's biosecurity system.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton supported Albanese's stance against Trump's tariffs but claimed he would demonstrate more "strength of leadership and experience." The U.S. trade ambassador praised Trump for addressing "wide-ranging and harmful foreign trade barriers" impacting U.S. exporters, highlighting the administration's efforts to restore fairness in the global market.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who dealt with Trump in 2017, noted the necessity for leaders to be "as tough as him." Turnbull mentioned the challenge Dutton faces in standing up to Trump, balancing toughness with the risk of alienating conservative supporters of the U.S. president.
The Australian government intends to argue against the 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum exports, part of Trump's global trade barriers. Despite Trump's promise of "great consideration" for a carve-out, further tariffs targeting countries with trade imbalances with the U.S. are expected on April 2, potentially affecting the agriculture and medicine sectors.
Source: The Guardian