President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Company, Michael Hecht, joined the Newell Normand show Wednesday. Amongst other things, Hecht explained that as Trump announced his sweeping tariffs (most of which Trump has now paused), he was travelling in the Land Down Under, meeting with Australian ministers as a cultural ambassador for Louisiana.
Hecht said, “We were down in Australia for ‘Liberation Day,’ because we met with a bunch of government leaders, and they basically said what a lot of folks are saying, which is that we don’t really understand the reasoning behind the tariffs, particularly with great friends, like Australia.
However, Hecht says that although there was confusion, the Aussies aren't treating America as some sort of economic foe.
Hecht says, “But on the other hand, the relationship with the US is a primary importance, it’s longstanding, and we’re taking the long view; this is a blip, and we’re going to get through it together. “
There was a shaking of the heads,” says Hecht, “but I didn’t pick up much long-term concern about the relationship… I think a lot of the world thinks the way this is being handled is not’ the best way. But I don't think they’re doubting the need to have the United States as a trading and security, and cultural ally for the long term.”
Hecht points out how certain trade policies between the two countries could use some serious revising.
“I think everybody agrees, including the ministers in Australia,” Hecht says. “For example, currently, the US buys lots of Australian beef. But Australia has a ban on US beef. And everybody, including Australians, thinks that’s unfair and needs remedying…I’ve heard nobody who disagrees with that.”
Click to listen to the full interview with Michael Hecht
Related
