Trade Minister Don Farrell is upping the ante in Australia’s trade negotiations with the US, holding calls with key US officials after declaring he needs to make President Donald Trump “an offer he can’t refuse”.
As government ministers brace for possible tariffs on products such as beef or wine, Farrell spoke to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday and US trade ambassador Jamieson Greer on Monday.
Trade Minister Don Farrell.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
While Farrell flagged possibly warning Americans about more expensive hamburgers if duties were placed on Australian beef, minister Amanda Rishworth was more coy on what the “offer the US can’t refuse” could be.
Rishworth praised Farrell as a “great negotiator”, naming his success in getting China to lift its tariffs on Australian products as proof of his prowess.
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“When it comes to the US, we’re making our position very clear that we want to see free and fair trade and that the tariffs that have been imposed on our steel and aluminium are unjustified,” she told Nine’s Today.
Also speaking to Today was Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, who wasn’t so confident in Farrell’s chances.
“I don’t think Don can get [a deal], not without a cost to Australia. I think it will cost us more in the long run,” Lambie said.
“As a matter of fact, I’m hearing they’re selling off Tasmania, mate. So look out,” she joked.
