Part 2/9:
Van Onselen began by addressing the recent tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. While the decision to impose tariffs is often viewed through a political lens, Van Onselen noted that Australia's situation appears comparatively favorable. The U.S. set a baseline tariff of 10% on Australian imports, which Van Onselen explained as a reflection of the trade deficit—Australia imports more than twice what it exports to the U.S.