Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a five-point plan to address the latest U.S. trade policy announcement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined a five-point plan on Friday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of trade tariffs. With a federal election looming in May, Albanese offered reporters a glimpse into how his administration intends to address the evolving U.S. trade stance. While financial support for industries most affected by the tariffs is among the core points, Albanese emphasized Australia’s strategic advantage: its rich reserves of critical minerals.
The prime minister plans to establish a “Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve,” which would hold back some commodities from export and make the country more resilient against global trade measures. Additionally, it would provide Australia with more leverage and influence in the global critical minerals supply chains.
Sweeping U.S. Tariffs Exclude Critical Minerals, Highlighting Their Importance
U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs on nearly all countries worldwide on Wednesday. Although presented as a blanket levy on most goods, key exceptions were made—most notably for critical minerals—underscoring the growing recognition of their strategic importance to global economies.
Australia is already a major player in the global critical minerals landscape, holding the world’s second-largest reserves of lithium and manganese, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The country is also among the top producers of rare earth elements, nickel, silver, and tin, as well as a wide range of other critical minerals. With the Future Made in Australia Act, the country seeks to strengthen its position further (we reported)
Industry Body Applauds Plan
The Australian Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which represents over 500 industry members, welcomed the proposal, noting it could elevate Australia’s role in strategic global discussions. However, AMEC stressed that a more detailed plan is needed before the proposal can be fully assessed.
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