The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is urging the federal government to shift gears on local industry policy after news today that Australia will not be granted exemption from US tariffs on aluminium and steel imports.
United States President Donald Trump had previously said he would consider excluding Australia from the 25 per cent tariffs after intervention by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, but Mr Trump has confirmed the tariffs will be due to come into effect on Wednesday.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said Australia’s best response to Mr Trump is not to play that game, but to change the sport.
“While the world is moving to decarbonised metals and supply chains, and our industries begin significant investment to meet our emissions targets and world demand, we can’t allow these decisions to be influenced by the chaos around US trade policy.”
“There is ample demand domestically and across the world, if the US is signalling they don’t value Australian aluminium and steel in their supply chains. We’re in a global race for the jobs of the future and Australia is well placed to deliver from our abundant natural resources,” Mr Murphy said.
“There’s a real risk that the aluminium and steel tariffs in the US will see any non-US country seeking new markets for their metals.”
“This announcement has sent shockwaves through our steel and aluminium industries and is a cause of worry for workers who rely on these industries for their families’ financial security,” Mr Murphy said.
“The Albanese Government can require our locally produced iron, steel, and aluminium to be used in every domestic infrastructure and renewable energy project.”
My Murphy said this is a reasonable response where our local industries are under attack.
“This is a reasonable response to a situation where our industries are investing in significant capital and new technologies to decarbonise and not lose the momentum to be world leaders in green metals.”
“The best way to support our local manufacturing industry is to deliver certainty during chaotic times. The Albanese Government can guarantee generations of good, well-paid secure manufacturing jobs with one simple decision,” Mr Murphy said.
“Our economy has the capacity to expand our local refining, smelting, and manufacturing industries to export to world economies that will look for green metals.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580