The prospects of Australia securing a carve-out on aluminium and steel tariffs imposed by the United States appear to be slim, according to former Howard government minister Peter McGauran.

Australia will avoid Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation after he said the US would soon begin implementing reciprocal import duties on its trading partners.

Peter Navarro has become a red flag for Australian negotiators trying to secure an exemption from the president’s tariffs on steel and aluminium.

As tensions rise over looming steel and aluminium tariffs, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out a last-minute trip to the White House before the upcoming federal election. The primary objective of this potential visit would be to persuade Donald Trump to exempt Australia from tariffs that threaten to harm its key exporters.

A senior minister has played down concerns a surprise line in a Presidential proclamation ordering 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium exports to the US will cause issues as Australia seeks exemptions.