BlueScope Steel will continue to advocate to the US government following the White House’s decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel exports
Although US President Donald Trump had previously indicated he might exempt Australia from steel and aluminium tariffs, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president has finalised his decision, stating, “There will be no exemptions.”
During Trump’s first term, Australian steel and aluminium were exempt from these tariffs, and BlueScope was hoping for similar treatment this time.
“A tariff exemption was negotiated in President Trump’s first term,” stated a BlueScope Steel representative.
In reaction to the tariff announcement, the steel manufacturer pointed out its $5bn investment in US operations, which currently employ over 4,000 steelworkers.
BlueScope Steel serves as Australia’s primary steel exporter to the US, delivering approximately 300,000 tonnes of semi-processed steel annually. This steel is utilised by its US operations to manufacture flat products such as roofs and fencing.
BlueScope ranks as the fifth largest steel manufacturer in America. Its North Star mill in Ohio produces three million tonnes of steel each year, matching Port Kembla’s output and proving significantly more profitable.
Following the rapid expansion of its businesses, the company anticipates gaining overall from the US tariffs.