Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says U.S. tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum are unjustified, but his government will not retaliate with its own tariffs.

Australia has failed to secure an exemption from US steel and aluminum tariffs despite a lobbying campaign by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, in a blow to relations between the two longtime allies.

Australia will not be exempt from U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs that President Donald Trump's administration will impose on Wednesday, Australian media reported, citing a White House official. Trump agreed in February to consider exempting Australia from the tariffs in view of the U.