Australia’s appeal against tariffs imposed by America on Australian steel has fallen on deaf ears and sparked a wave of uncertainty on the future of the sector.
US President Donald Trump enforced the 25 per cent import cost on steel and a 10 per cent cost on aluminium from Australia to make “hundreds of billions of dollars” to regenerate the alleged ‘loaning’ of American money over the decades.
Tariffs on exported products are generally perceived as a negative in a global economy, however, local Gerringong business owner, Ken Park, who founded ‘Metalize Welding Fabrication’ said the change could bolster the Australian steel domestic market.
“The tariffs are a bit crazy, but I think it could be for the best,” Mr Park said.
“If you look at it closely, America is only hurting itself in this process, we have all the product such as aluminium that is needed globally.
“We can always find new countries who need our steel, maybe even those who are also being slapped with tariffs too.”
Australian steel has been facing a rising demand but remains a complex landscape due to a decline in labour, productivity, and global price fluctuations.
The Australian steel sector is currently valued at $19.94 billion AUD as of 2024.
Mr Park said the tariffs would not affect small businesses across the country as a potential higher supply of steel will only help the domestic market.
“The decision of exporting steel globally to America is all in BlueScope’s court [the primary exporter of steel in Australia],” Mr Park said.
“The tariffs haven’t affected me or my business, if anything the surplus of steel here will only benefit in-house spending and taking care of our own.
“I get both domestic and international markets are important, but I would supply Australian construction and infrastructure first.
“I think the tariffs are going to hurt Trump more than us, maybe now we can focus on Australia.”
The tariffs America placed Australian steel have been effective since March 12, 2025.