Donald Trump tariffs: Hancock Agriculture boss Adam Giles unloads on Aussie ‘whinging and moaning’
The chief of billionaire Gina Rinehart’s massive agriculture empire has likened Australia’s “whinging and moaning” over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs to that of a petulant child.
Mr Trump on Thursday included Australia among his targets in the latest round of sweeping tariffs during his so-called “Liberation Day” address at the White House.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would not seek to impose reciprocal tariffs but noted while “these tariffs are not unexpected ... they are totally unwarranted.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The administration’s tariffs have no basis in logic, and they go against the basis of our two nations’ partnership,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is not the act of a friend.”
Responding to the news of the tariffs, Hancock Agriculture boss Adam Giles said it was “great to see (the US) government standing up for its own manufacturing industry”.
“It’s a pity we don’t do the same in Australia,” he said.
“Instead we implement electricity policy that drives up costs of operations and make ourselves uncompetitive internationally, then close down our industries.
“The whinging and moaning is like a petulant child, with a government acting in a mendicant mindset.”
Mr Giles — the former NT chief minister — said instead of complaining about the new tariff, Australia should turn to Europe for a new trade deal.
“Get them to take our beef and lamb and we will cut the tariff and vehicle tax on European cars, including low emissions ones. Just an idea,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
“We all win through initiative and reinvesting in Australian manufacturing and stop whinging about a US President who stands up for their manufacturing.
“Now is the time to think different and get our country back on track.”
Hancock Agriculture exports premium Wagyu to the US, particularly the west coast, and is likely impacted by the new tariff on Australian beef.
Mr Albanese said he had received confirmation that Australian beef exports would be subject to the 10 per cent tariffs.
“We have received confirmation on what we thought was the case, it is just the 10 per cent tariff,” he said.
“I just spoke with the head of the National Farmers Federation and confirmed that with him… I’ve also spoken with beef producers and confirmed it with them.
“In terms of the competitive position it is maintained.”
Mr Albanese went on to say “no country” had received a better outcome than Australia.
“Australia has been presenting our case to the United States across the board,” he said.
“We’ll continue to put our case for what we regard is a reciprocal arrangement which is for our products to be tariff free, just as products into Australia from the US are tariff-free.”
Earlier this month, Mrs Rinehart called for payroll tax and licence fees to be scrapped to protect small businesses and farmers from tariff exposures.
