Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter has made a statement about the US Government’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Australian steel and aluminium imports from today.

"Free and open trade agreements between nations are the foundation of our collective economic prosperity,” Mr Hunter said.

“This prosperity would not be possible without small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"SMEs are often suppliers to these large manufacturers who sit at the heart of these regional communities.

"Potentially the biggest impact of the tariffs will be in the Illawarra and Hunter, where NSW has steel and aluminium manufacturing and fabrication capabilities.

"There are thousands of people who are directly and indirectly employed in connected industries in NSW.

“There will be disruption because some big producers are locked into contracts with the USA.

"But I suspect that – if this tariff continues – big producers will then be respectfully looking elsewhere at other markets.

"We have got producers in NSW that deal direct with USA, but not all their eggs are in one basket. They are agile.

“There is very strong demand for NSW and Australian products around the world. We have no doubt there will be plenty of alterative markets.

“It’s time for our political and business leaders from across the spectrum to support our SME manufacturing sector and the communities they serve.”

About Business NSW

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. We represent almost 50,000 businesses.

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