Part 2/8:
The spokesperson emphasized Australia's commitment to a free trade environment, highlighting efforts to reduce tariffs and promote the free movement of goods and investments worldwide. They noted Australia's leadership in trade liberalization, referencing historical initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and ongoing ambitions to negotiate mutually beneficial trade agreements.
However, when pressed about the specific threat of tariffs rising from 10% to 15-20%, the response was cautious. The spokesperson described Trump's remarks as "off-the-cuff," asserting that the Australian government is actively engaging with the U.S. to secure the best possible deal. The priority remains to keep tariffs as low as possible and to maximize market access for Australian exports.