Trump’s tariff war won’t spare America’s allies

So much for close allies. Unlike Canada and Mexico, an ocean distances Australia from Donald Trump’s obsession with tariffs. But his punitive approach to America’s border partners will raise even more fears in Canberra that Australia can’t rely on the alliance or AUKUS for protection against Trump’s trade predilections.

Trump’s announcement – naturally made on Truth Social, his social media site – was typically, offensively undiplomatic. He is promising to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods coming into the US from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office next January.