The federal government remains in the dark on what the Trump administration wants for a tariff exemption, the trade minister says, as negotiations continue and Australia seeks to diversify trade relationships.
In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, Don Farrell said he had spoken with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday.
The trade minister said it was not "a pessimistic conversation", but Lutnick had "gave no assurances about what might happen in the next round of negotiations".
Farrell said he has another talk scheduled with US trade representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday.
"What we need to do is find out what it is that the Americans want in terms of the relationship between Australia and the United States, and then make President Trump an offer he can't refuse," Farrell told Sky News.
Trade Minister Don Farrell will speak with US trade representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Australia was granted a tariff exemption during Trump's first term when Malcolm Turnbull was prime minister. But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said it took months for the concession to be granted.
The federal government had made an offer of guaranteed supply to critical minerals in a bit to spare Australia from steel and aluminium tariffs, but the US rejected it.
Resources Minister Madeleine King told The Guardian on Saturday she did not "see a world" in which the offer would be revised, but said negotiations would continue.
Greens leader Adam Bandt told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday he wants Australia to move beyond its US relationship towards other countries impacted by tariffs.
"In terms of a lasting arrangement for the future, it has to be based on what's in Australia's interests, rather than hoping Donald Trump will ride to the rescue or somehow give special treatment," he said.
Farrell said Australia had spoken to other nations, such as South Korea, about expanding and diversifying trade relationships.
He also reiterated the federal government's position that, unlike some other countries, Australia would not hit the US with retaliatory tariffs.
With the Australian Associated Press.
