Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Albanese says AUKUS 'full steam ahead' after call with Trump
The leader of Australia, Anthony Albanese, had a long phone call with the leader of the United States, Donald Trump.
Australia, the United States, and Britain are partners in a special project called AUKUS.
AUKUS is about building and buying submarines, which are big boats that travel underwater.
Submarines with nuclear power help countries defend themselves.
Albanese told Trump that the project is still moving 'full steam ahead,' which means it is going forward quickly.
He also asked Trump to stop charging extra money, called tariffs, on things Australia sends to the United States.
Trump said he would think about Australia's request.
The deal costs Australia hundreds of billions of dollars over 30 years, which is a huge amount of money.
However, not everyone is happy: China says the project is dangerous and could start a race to build more weapons.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the AUKUS defence pact remains 'full steam ahead' after an overnight phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Albanese urged Trump to fully exempt Australia from US tariffs, and Trump agreed to give consideration to the request.
AUKUS, formed in 2021 as a pact between Australia, the US and Britain, is Australia's largest-ever defence project.
Australia has committed A$368 billion ($259.7 billion) over three decades to AUKUS, which will deliver nuclear-powered submarines.
China has called the pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race; the leaders also discussed the conflict with Iran.
- Who
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump
- What
- A phone call reaffirming that the AUKUS defence pact is 'full steam ahead' and a request for a full US tariff exemption for Australia
- When
- Reported on Friday, August 14, following an overnight phone call between the leaders
- Where
- Australia and the United States; Albanese spoke to reporters in Canberra
- Why
- To confirm progress on the submarine pact and press for friendlier trade treatment for Australia, while also discussing the Iran conflict and regional defence alliances
Supporters of AUKUS
Critics of AUKUS
AUKUS defence pact
Supporters of AUKUS
AUKUS remains full steam ahead, benefits all three member countries, and is part of efforts to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Critics of AUKUS
China calls the pact dangerous and warns it could spur a regional arms race.
US tariffs on Australia
Supporters of AUKUS
Australia, as a friend of the United States, should receive at least the best treatment and a full exemption from tariffs.
Critics of AUKUS
The US has imposed a flat 12.5% tariff on Australia; President Trump only agreed to give consideration to an exemption.
- AUKUS members
- Australia, the United States and Britain
- AUKUS formed
- 2021
- Purpose
- Deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific
- Commitment
- A$368 billion ($259.7 billion) over three decades
- US tariff on Australia
- Flat 12.5%
- Virginia-class submarines based in Australia
- From next year
- Virginia-class submarines sold to Australia
- From around 2030
- Also discussed
- Conflict with Iran and defence alliances with Papua New Guinea and Fiji