Tariffs on Australian aluminum?

After announcing a plan for ascending tariffs on Mexican imports last week to curb illegal immigration, the Trump administration also considered levying tariffs on Australia in response to a surge of Australian aluminum in U.S. markets, according to a report from the New York Times.

Some of President Trump’s top trade advisers had urged the tariffs as a response to a surge of Australian aluminum flowing onto the American market over the past year. But officials at the Defense and State Departments told Mr. Trump the move would alienate a top ally and could come at significant cost to the United States.

The administration ultimately agreed not to take any action, at least temporarily.

In addition to entering the country into yet another trade war, the move would have turned the U.S. against some of its closest allies such as Canada, Europe and Japan.

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Emell Derra Adolphus has more than a decade of writing and journalism experience. He is senior editor of ENR’s Top Lists and Survey Rankings at ENR magazine and frequently contributes stories on technology, climate resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion.