In a bold move, President Trump has declared a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, sparking concerns and scrambling governments around the world to secure exemptions. The announcement on Monday sent shockwaves through global markets, with steel-producing countries like Australia particularly impacted.

The Australian government is now in a race against time to negotiate exemptions to the steep tariffs, which could have a significant impact on their steel industry. Prime Minister Tony Johnson has expressed his concerns, stating that these tariffs could harm Australian manufacturers and workers.

Trump defended his decision, citing national security concerns and the need to protect American jobs and industries. However, the move has drawn criticism from trade partners and experts, who fear a potential trade war that could disrupt global supply chains and raise prices for consumers.

As tensions rise, negotiations between the US and its trade partners are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The fate of the steel industry and international trade relations hangs in the balance as the world waits to see how this latest development will play out.