Federal election 2025 LIVE updates: Dutton, Albanese prepare for first leaders debate; Trump trade war questions expected after $85b wiped off ASX

The morning headlines are once again dominated by Donald Trump, who has escalated the US-China trade war by threatening an additional 50 per cent levy on Chinese imports.

Australia was also mentioned for its beef exports, indicating biosecurity concerns will need to be on the table if Australia is to strike a deal in future talks.

On Fox News, Republican senator John Barrasso from the cattle state of Wyoming said ranchers were thanking the president for taking action on their long-standing trade grievances against countries such as Australia and Thailand.

“Australia has sold $US29 billion ($48 billion) worth of beef in the United States, and we haven’t been able to sell one hamburger in Australia because of barriers,” Barrasso said. “You look at these numbers, and the ranchers of Wyoming are saying: thank you, Mr President, it is about time.”

Trump broadcast those remarks from his TruthSocial account.

Expect this to be a key question facing both Albanese and Dutton this morning.

Read the full story on Trump’s ongoing trade war here.