Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Washington, DC for his first official bilateral summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, with critical minerals, defence cooperation, and trade expected to dominate the agenda. The meeting takes place amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly around tariffs and supply chain security. A major focus will be on Australia supplying the U.S. with critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, vanadium and rare earth elements (materials essential for defence technologies, electric vehicles and modern electronics) which China has recently restricted.
Another central topic is the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the U.S., and the U.K., aimed at countering China’s military influence in the Indo-Pacific. Under AUKUS, Australia plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and collaborate on advanced defence technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities. However, the Trump administration is reviewing the pact to determine whether it aligns with its “America First” approach. Trump has also pushed U.S. allies to increase military spending, potentially pressuring Australia to raise its defence budget beyond the current 2 percent of GDP.
Trade relations are also expected to be debated, as Albanese seeks relief from recent U.S. tariffs on Australian exports, including a baseline 10 percent tariff and additional duties on steel and aluminium. While the U.S. enjoys a trade surplus with Australia, Canberra has strengthened its economic ties with China, its largest trading partner. This balancing act puts Australia in a delicate position, navigating its strategic alliance with the U.S. while maintaining significant economic dependence on China.
Overall, the summit is an opportunity for Albanese to present Australia as a reliable security and economic partner to the United States. He is expected to emphasize Australia’s contributions to regional defence infrastructure and its role in securing supply chains for critical minerals. However, tensions over tariffs, defence spending, and China’s influence may challenge the discussions, as both leaders seek to protect their national interests while maintaining the strength of the long-standing U.S.-Australia alliance.
Reference:
Shamim, S. (2025, October 20). Trump set to meet Australian PM Anthony Albanese: What is on agenda? Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/20/trump-set-to-meet-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-what-is-on-agenda