Australian PM to discuss submarines, tariffs, defence cooperation with Trump

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will press U.S. President Donald Trump to maintain Washington's commitment to the AUKUS defence pact during their first meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit on June 16.

The two leaders are expected to discuss trade tariffs and the Biden-era agreement under which the United States and the United Kingdom pledged to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The deal is currently under review by the Trump administration, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

"Having Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States all having increased nuclear-powered submarines, in our case conventionally armed, is something that will make the Indo Pacific area more secure," Albanese told reporters in Calgary.

He emphasised that this is in the interest of the United States. The prime minister also said he would inform Trump about:

• The financial support Australia is providing to U.S. industrial capacity (for the construction of new submarines);

• The access of the U.S. Navy to Australian shipyards for repairs;

• The significant American military presence in the northern Australian city of Darwin.

According to Albanese, Australia is a reliable U.S. partner in the Pacific region, particularly in promoting peace and security.

Albanese refused to commit to raising defence spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP. Instead, he said Australia would spend as much as necessary to ensure the country's defence capability.

Around 10% of Australia's steel and aluminium is exported to the United States, and Albanese said he would also raise the issue of Trump's tariffs on the sector, which Australia views as "acts of economic self harm".

"Exports are still going in there, they are just paying more for them," Albanese told reporters.

By Khagan Isayev