Australia should steel itself for an uncertain future

A UNSW academic accepts that Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium will hurt Australia’s economy and argues that policymakers should focus on strategic adaptability and trade diversification if America seems set on autarky.

Be the change we want to see

Complaining about President Donald Trump’s tariff imposts won’t change anyone’s mind, but Australia can take on the leadership role Trump’s America has abdicated – by abolishing, rather than raising, tariffs.

Handling Trump’s tariff war

Several short-term strategies, including flexible contracting, diversification, and nearshoring, can help the Australian economy mitigate the risks and costs of US tariffs.

How will Trump’s tariffs affect Australia?

With the newly elected Trump administration threatening to introduce higher tariffs on imports, the Australian government should act quickly to seek tariff exemptions, and businesses should prepare to adapt to a more challenging trade position