US election outcome may reshape Australia’s AUKUS alliance and trade relations

The outcome of the U.S. presidential election on November 5 could have varying implications for Australia, particularly regarding the AUKUS alliance and trade relations. Experts suggest that the differences between a Trump or Harris administration may be minimal in terms of security ties. While both candidates support the AUKUS agreement, concerns exist about Trump's potential impact on international relationships. Some analysts believe a Trump presidency could challenge the bipartisan nature of the U.S.-Australia alliance, while others expect continuity in key areas like Indo-Pacific engagement. Trade policies may also shift depending on the election result. Trump has indicated he would impose high tariffs on Chinese imports, which could affect Australia's economy. In contrast, Harris is likely to maintain current tariff levels, continuing the trend set by the Biden administration.