CANBERRA - An exemption for Australia from US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is under consideration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

Albanese told reporters that he has spoken to US President Donald Trump and "presented Australia's case" for an exemption from the 25 percent tariff on aluminum and steel.

"The US President agreed that an exemption was under consideration in the interests of both of our countries," Albanese said.

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Hailing a "tremendous" start to the relationship with the second Trump administration, he said that the two countries would continue to "engage diplomatically".

"It was a very constructive and warm discussion," Albanese said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Resources Minister Madeleine King told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that the government was in constant contact with the US administration.

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Albanese said on Monday he had scheduled a discussion with Trump about the proposed new tariffs after the Australian Minister for Trade Don Farrell said the government was working on an exemption.

Australia previously negotiated an exemption from Trump's first-term tariffs on steel and aluminum.