U.S. President Donald Trump says he has agreed to consider a tariff exemption on Australian steel and aluminum imports after a telephone conversation with Australia’s prime minister.

U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to consider exempting Australia from his steel and aluminium tariffs in view of the country's trade surplus with the United States, following a phone call with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

By comparison, less than $1 billion of steel and aluminium was exported to the US in 2023, according to data from UN Comtrade, consisting of about $500 million of aluminium and less then $400 million of steel. Exports to the US account for about 10% of Australia’s total exports of these metals.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had a "constructive and warm" conversation with Donald Trump, after the president announced 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to the United States.

While a timeline for a decision has not been announced, both countries agreed a tariff exemption for Australia was “under consideration”.

Japan industry minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday the nation has requested that the United States exempt Japan from steel and aluminium tariffs.

A proclamation signed by Donald Trump has revealed a surprise issue, hours after the PM asked the President for an exemption on steel and aluminium exports.

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