Weld Australia has issued a strong response to US President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariff regime, which has imposed exorbitant duties on a wide range of global imports, including a staggering 50% tariff on Lesotho's diamond exports. While the age of free trade appears to be drawing to a close, Weld Australia believes that Australia has a unique opportunity to carve out a new path—one based on sovereign manufacturing capability, rather than isolationist policies.
According to Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, "Trump is right about one thing: America gave away its manufacturing capability, and now it's paying the price. But Australia hasn't—yet. We still make steel. We still have a fabrication industry. And we have enormous, growing demand for everything from renewable energy infrastructure to roads, gas plants, and submarines. The solution to this crisis isn't more tariffs—it's simple. Let's build our own infrastructure ourselves."
Tariffs Fuel Global Uncertainty—But Australia Has a Choice
Trump's chaotic tariff regime is set to create untold misery and uncertainty, particularly for developing nations already grappling with poverty. These sweeping changes could destabilise global trade, disrupt supply chains, and spark inflation worldwide.
"This isn't just a bad day for trade—it's a disaster for global equity," said Crittenden. "Poor nations like Lesotho, who have no electricity or running water, and Madagascar, where three-quarters of the population lives in poverty, are now being hit with sky-high tariffs simply for trying to participate in the global economy. It's punitive and unjust."
While the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was originally established by the United States to enforce rules-based trade, its effectiveness has waned. "The WTO has failed to act on dumping in Australia by a range of countries, particularly in steel and fabricated steel. If they can't or won't enforce the rules, what's the point?" said Crittenden.
A Made-in-Australia Solution to a Global Problem
Rather than following the US into a trade war spiral, Weld Australia urges the Australian Government to take a proactive, nation-building approach.
"There's nothing in WTO rules that says we can't buy from our own backyard. We don't need tariffs—we just need to choose Australian steel and Australian fabrication," said Crittenden.
"Australia has the demand. We have the choice. So, let's make the right one. We can either hand our infrastructure pipeline over to overseas suppliers, or we can rebuild our sovereign capability and create wealth and jobs right here at home."
From wind towers and bridges to critical minerals processing and naval shipbuilding, the opportunities for Australian-made infrastructure are enormous. Australian manufacturers are already being invited into the US to fill gaps in capability—gaps that we still possess.
"If the Americans are turning to us to help them rebuild, why aren't we backing ourselves?" said Crittenden.
Build Our Way Out
"This is a good news story waiting to happen. We have the tools, the talent, and the demand. It's time for Australian politicians to offer a solution to Trump's tariff disaster: let's build our way out of it."
"Let's build our own boats, our own submarines, our renewables, our roads. Let's invest in the industries that will strengthen our economy and our sovereignty. Let's create the jobs and the prosperity that will carry us through the uncertainty of the Trump era. We don't need chaos—we need action."
Weld Australia urges the Federal Government to seize this opportunity and support a national manufacturing strategy grounded in local procurement, practical policy, and pride in Australian capability.
About us:
ABOUT WELD AUSTRALIA
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation's economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
