Jim Chalmers in US to talk investment opportunities as Trump puts ‘America First’ through trade tariffs

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has doubled-down on his decision to visit the United States for foreign investment meetings at a time when President Donald Trump is aggressively pursuing an “America First” trade policy through tariffs.

Speaking in New York City on Friday, local time, Mr Chalmers left no ambiguity about his intention for the trip, and his desire to have US investors turning to Australia.

“Today I’ve been speaking with some of the world’s biggest investors, representing around $25 trillion of funds under management,” Dr Chalmers said.

“I have a very simple message for the investors of the world and the investors here in New York City — Australia is an island of reliability and opportunity in a sea of global economic uncertainty.”

As the Treasurer is rolling out the welcome mat for investors, US President Donald Trump is building economic walls with tariffs to stop them leaving and taking their money overseas.

It’s a point of political contention with one of Australia’s strongest allies, at a time when a stable relationship with US administration is critical to ensuring the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program is delivered.

Dr Chalmers didn’t appear concerned about any diplomatic dangers from his visit to the United States.

“We are a very attractive destination as investors around the world consider the best place to invest their capital. Australia has a huge opportunity and we want to make the most of that opportunity,” Dr Chalmers said.

“Our geography, the stability of our institutions, our solid macroeconomic foundations and fundamentals, these are all things that we have going for us.”

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the US next week where he is expected to meet face-to-face with the US President.