SYDNEY, Feb 11, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The United States is mulling an exemption for Australia from sweeping steel tariffs, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday after speaking with President Donald Trump.

Albanese used a phone call with Trump to push for Australia to be excluded from looming 25 percent levies on steel and aluminium. 

"On tariffs we discussed Australia's position when it comes to tariffs, particularly with regard to steel and aluminium," Albanese told reporters after the call. 

"The US President agreed that an exemption was under consideration in the interests of both of our countries."

Trump's tariffs are a sign he is stepping up his long-promised trade war despite warnings from Europe and China.

Australia is a minor global player in steel export markets but is a dominant source of iron ore, a key raw ingredient in the alloy.

If Trump agreed to grant the exemption, Australia would become one of the first countries to win a carve out.