Dr Chalmers met with his US counterpart Scott Bessent in Washington overnight, alongside US National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, for talks on duties on steel and aluminium imports.
A 25 per cent tariff on the metals imported into the United States is expected to come into effect by mid-March.
Mr Trump has said he is considering Australia's request for an exemption, as the Albanese government argues a trade surplus enjoyed by the US should spare the nation's exports.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Chalmers said the talks were not going to yield a conclusion on the planned tariffs but that discussions were able to continue.
"It's well understood that, at the end of the day, this will be President Trump's call," he told reporters.
"The alliance and the economic partnership between Australia and the US is as strong as it's ever been."
Asked if reports that Australia had exceeded a voluntary commitment not to export beyond a certain level of aluminium were brought up, Dr Chalmers said no.
The government is considering the introduction of quotas for local steel, amid concerns cheap Chinese steel would likely become available in Australia following Mr Trump's tariffs.
Dr Chalmers said the government was standing up for the workers and industries of Australia.
"The reason that we are pushing for this exemption from the tariffs on steel and aluminium is because we genuinely believe an exemption to be in the interest of both countries," he said.
Asked about Australia's request, the US treasury secretary said, "So far, so good. But I'm not USTR".
It was for the commerce department and the United States Trade Representative to decide, Mr Bessent said.
34°C