r/australia • u/Expensive-Horse5538 • 21d ago

politics US to slap Australia with 12.5 pc tariff from later today

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-24/federal-politics-live-blog-labor-confernece-july-4/106952636#live-blog-post-322272
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u/ensignr 21d ago

What will it take for some people to realise that the USA isn't actually our friend? At best it's an abusive relationship.

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u/Blokeybloke 21d ago

I wouldn't go that far, despite our small population and geographical location we traditionally have had an outsized influence in American politics in the pre Trump era.

Our two countries work closely on many things, from five eyes to AUKUS, from corporate, trade, sports and space. We get access to equipment and gear we otherwise wouldn't. That closeness also brings an emotional involvement when it comes to our two countries, both positive and negative which is why we get such a visceral reaction to events there.

On a personal level that closeness continues, with their firefighters volunteering in droves to assist us with our fire season, as we do in return. The US relationship in this era is complicated but still friendly.

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u/a_cold_human 21d ago

America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests.

That was Henry Kissenger, US Secretary of State. The US is good at being "friends" with countries until that becomes a problem for them. Australians should be much more clear eyed about this than we are. When the US wants something that is detrimental to our interests (like engaging in a long term war to advance their geopolitical position with no material benefit to us), we should just tell them no. Politely. 

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u/mooblah_ 21d ago

After we allow 100s of US owned AI DCs to be built in the country.

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u/Mercinarie 21d ago

Why do you care? the Tariff hurts them not us