Labor offers $1bn in loans to Australian export companies and seeks to loosen US trade ties after Trump tariffs

Federal government unveils protective measures to help export-focused companies tap alternative markets

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Labor will provide $1bn in zero interest loans to help export-focused companies tap alternative markets as Australia seeks to loosen trade ties with the US in response to Donald Trump’s new tariffs.

The lending facility would complement a separate government initiative to fund representative bodies of affected sectors “to secure and grow new markets”.

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Strengthening the anti-dumping regime to protect against tariff-hit overseas steel, aluminium and other products undermining local manufacturing.

Providing $50m to affected sectors to secure new markets for their products.

Providing $1bn in zero interest loans to help Australian companies capitalise on export opportunities.

Bringing Australian businesses to the “front of the queue” for government contracts.

Establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals.

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