The Business Council is deeply disappointed by the size and scale of global tariffs imposed by the United States on Australia and other trading nations.
Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said these tariffs would hurt economic growth but urged a measured response, recognising the importance of free trade to our prosperity.
"The United States is a long-standing friend and ally and we've historically stood together through thick and thin, and so every Australian should be disappointed by these tariffs," Mr Black said.
"We don't support retaliatory tariffs and strongly urge against them, because there are no winners in a trade war, which would only risk making our situation worse by forcing Australians to pay more and reducing job security.
"As a trading nation, free and open access to global markets is critical for Australia, especially as one in every four of our nation's jobs relies on trade."
Mr Black said the BCA would continue to work with officials in Australia and Washington D.C., along with the Government and Opposition.
"We'll continue to engage with Australian businesses and directly with our contacts and counterparts in Washington D.C. with a view to securing the exemption from these tariffs that our nation deserves.
"The Government, Ambassador Rudd and our officials have worked tirelessly behind the scenes - against great odds - and it's clear these tariffs have been widely targeted.
"There are so many reasons why Australia should be exempt from any tariffs, including that the US has a trade surplus with us and the existence of long-standing cultural and military ties between our countries, especially now with the AUKUS agreement."
Mr Black said that with the world now a more uncertain place, it is more important than ever that policymakers prioritise making Australia a more competitive place to do business and attract investment.
"Australia should focus on controlling what is wholly within our power to control, and that means doing everything we can to be an attractive destination for global capital.
"We need policies that ensure businesses have the best chance to be successful, so we can continue to drive economic growth and new and better jobs for Australians".
