US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will be speaking with Australia over a potential trade deal.
He was speaking at the White House on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) after being asked by 9News US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley whether he has been talking with the Australian government.
Australia was among hundreds of countries and territories slapped with 10 per cent tariffs by the US on April 2 in what Trump described as “Liberation Day” for the American public.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the move, saying imposing tariffs was not the act of a friend or ally.
He acknowledged that Australia had been trying to get in touch but the US President had not replied.
“They are calling and I will be talking to him. Yes,” he answered Kearsley.
Trump gave no indication whether any conversation between the two leaders will be held before or after Saturday’s federal election.
White House officials indicated the poll was not a sticking point for any US-Australia talks.
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Trump’s comments came as he marked the first 100 days of his second term. Polls show dwindling support among the American public about how he is performing as president.
Only about 4 in 10 Americans approve of how Trump is handling the presidency, and his ratings on the economy and trade are lower than that.
