US President Trump agreed to consider Australia tariff request, PM Albanese says

US President Donald Trump has agreed to Australia's request to "consider full exemption or, at the very least, no increase" to the tariffs imposed by the US, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday.

Albanese said he discussed Australia's free trade agreement with the US, as well as the country's record dealing with issues such as modern slavery, during a phone call with Trump on Thursday night.

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Great

to speak with President @realDonaldTrump last night.

The Alliance between the United States and Australia is 75 years old and going from strength to strength.

We will continue to work closely to advance Australian and American interests including in critical minerals,… pic.twitter.com/JqPandyqGk

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 13, 2026

Also Read: Australia to raise concerns over new tariffs with Trump: PM Albanese

Australia is subject to a tariff rate of 12.5%. The Trump administration is collecting 10% to 12.5% duties on imports from most major trading partners. The move under Section 301 followed a US probe into the alleged failure of about 60 economies to prevent forced labour in their supply chains to the detriment of American workers.

"I did ask that Australia's position as a friend of the United States be considered, and the president agreed that he would give consideration to my request," Albanese told a press conference Friday morning.