Albanese's meeting with Trump called off due to US president's G7 exit amid Israel-Iran dispute

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s eagerly awaited initial meeting with the United States President Donald Trump will not occur on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada.

Mere hours after sealing a trade agreement with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump chose to depart the G7 early due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran in the Middle East.

US press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump had a “great day at the G7” while she conveyed the announcement on social media on Tuesday morning.

“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” she said on X.

Minutes before the post was shared, Albanese had told the media he “looked forward” to their discussion and the scheduled meeting “taking place”.

He revealed he had been in discussions with US ambassador Kevin Rudd as well as golfer Greg Norman as he prepared for the meeting which was then cancelled.

“I always prep seriously for meetings where I’m representing Australia,” Albanese said.

SBS News understands a meeting between the two leaders, in different parts of the country, is no longer expected. Trump will attend a dinner with G7 leaders in Kananaskis, while Albanese remains in Calgary.

“Given what is occurring in the Middle East, this is understandable,” a spokesperson for Albanese said.

“As the prime minister said a short time ago, we are very concerned about the events in the Middle East and continue to urge all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”

Trump later said his early departure from the summit had “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran after French President Emmanuel Macron said the US president had made a ceasefire proposal.

“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Monday.

Questions over US tariffs on steel remain after UK carve-out

Albanese faced inquiries about whether he could secure a similar exemption to that of the UK, which entails zero tariffs for its aerospace sector and a reduction in tariffs from 25 percent to 10 percent for its automotive industry.

Two men in suits, holding up folders of paper, signifying a signed agreement.

US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a deal on US tariffs on steel during a meeting at the G7 summit. Source: AP / Suzanne Plunkett

“The UK deal has other provisions with it as well, including provisions that are different in terms of Australia,” Albanese said.

Steel and aluminium imported into the US from places like Australia face 50 per cent tariffs as of early June.

Approximately 10 per cent of Australia’s steel and aluminium exports are destined for the US.

“We think that the products that we export are invaluable for the United States.

“All it means is that American consumers are paying more for it. We don’t see that that is in the interests of either the United States or Australia.”

— Additional reporting by Reuters