Albanese ‘positive’ Trump won’t hit Australia with tariffs as President-elect’s threat claims first scalp

Anthony Albanese says he has made a strong case to Donald Trump not to impose tariffs on Australian goods, as the incoming president’s tough trade policy is linked to a high-profile political resignation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quit on Monday (local time) after nine years in the top job, amid plummeting popularity and party discontent that many have linked to the pressure the looming 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods would have put on the country’s economy.

Mr Trump had also made a number of calls in recent months for Canada to merge with the US, doubling down after Mr Trudeau’s resignation to say “if Canada merged with the US there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE... Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”

Despite Mr Trudeau meeting with Mr Trump in November to fend off a potential trade war in a “very productive meeting”, the president-elect recommitted to slapping trade restrictions on Ottawa unless security was increased along the shared border.

Mr Albanese paid tribute to Mr Trudeau on Tuesday, who he said he regarded as a friend.

“I wish him well... He has served Canada well for a long period of time,” Mr Albanese said.

When asked how he planned to protect Australia from Mr Trump’s tough trade policy, which also threatens to impose high taxes on Chinese goods which could trigger a trade war, Mr Albanese said he had “made the case” to the incoming President during their phone call last year.

He said the pair had had “positive” discussions, but was then asked if he had made further contact with Mr Trump since the initial phone call to make the case against subjecting Australian goods to tariffs.

“I have made the case to President Trump and he publicly said after that conversation was very positive, as I was about our discussion,” he said.

As for Mr Trump’s idea that Canada should be absorbed by the USA, Mr Albanese said he had “no intention of making a running commentary on what the incoming President has to say”.

Mr Trudeau will stay on as prime minister and leader of the Canadian Liberal Party until a new leader is chosen.