The wide range of tariffs are scheduled to be announced on April 2nd.
Nationals leader David Littleproud warned President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Australian beef would be Big Mac tariffs.
This comes amid fears that Australian agricultural exports, including beef and other agricultural products, could be subject to tariffs of more than 10%.
Little Proud said such tariffs would hurt the United States more than it would benefit.
“I don’t think it’s a wise act, and in fact, the last time President Trump did this, it hurt American farmers,” he said.
“If he wants to see Australian beef and slap it with Australian beef, he actually slaps it on his favorite food, Big Mac.
Little Proud emphasized that American beef production is not sufficient to meet domestic demand, making Australia’s exports important.
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“so, that may sound good, but what President Trump is doing has consequences. We should be able to take on a leadership role and be able to convince him to understand that rules-based trade orders served the US and helped Australia,” he said.
“The last time he did this, Australian goods prices rose. Because what the world did was that they traded in the United States, especially in the produce, and his farmers hurt them. ”
The public leader said the opposition would like to work with the US, but they would agree to oppose many things.
“There was no partner I could trust as much as Australia, this is about relationships.Little Proud continued.
“We were the last one to prove that Joe Hockey can develop those relationships. You must respect the sovereignty of the United States and its democratic processes. That’s the path of the world,” he added.
The tariffs, scheduled to be announced on “liberation day” around 7am on April 2, are expected to form part of another wealthy press conference in America.
Apart from agricultural products, the US has already implemented 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum products. Other Australian exports, such as medicines, are also at risk.
Dutton prepares to stand up to Trump
Opposition leader Peter Dutton reiterated Little Proud’s concerns and said he would stand up to Trump.
“I don’t care if it’s President Trump or any other world leader. My job is to support Australians and I have the strength and experience to do that,” Dutton said in an interview with Victoria on April 2.
Dutton recently negotiated an Orcas submarine contract with President Biden, but insisted that Australia’s profits must come first in deals with the US.
