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Rio Tinto’s smelter at Boyne.

‘Rules are in flux’: $2b bailout for Rio Tinto as Labor cites national sovereignty

The Albanese government is doubling down on its strategy to prop up the nation’s ailing manufacturing sector.

  • Mike Foley

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Commodities such as steel may need carbon tariffs in the future.

‘Hypocritical’: Coalition slams Labor on climate tariffs while seeking Trump reprieve

The government is lobbying the US for an exemption from its new round of “unjustified” tariffs as it considers a similar move to protect local industry.

  • Mike Foley
Cement is a key manufacturing product that is difficult to produce while also lowering greenhouse emissions.

Australia weighs carbon tariffs to shield local industry from cheap imports

A fresh front in the climate wars has opened over the impact that ambitious climate goals are having on heavy industries.

  • Nick Toscano and Mike Foley
Breville will benefit from Trump walking away from the more extreme tariffs.

How this Aussie appliance-maker dodged Trump’s tariff bullet

Breville’s avoidance of the full hit from US duties is testament to its agility, and the consumer’s love of its coffee machines and other kitchen gadgets.

  • Elizabeth Knight
Callan Root bought his Tesla in December. China has just announced sales of cars with hidden door handles, like those on Teslas, will be banned from January due to safety concerns over not being able to open the door in the event of an accident. Wednesday 4th February 2026. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Chinese ban on Tesla-style door handles likely to flow through to Australia

Chinese authorities have announced a ban on new vehicles being sold with hidden, electronically reliant door handles, amid concerns that they trap occupants.

  • Elias Visontay

Are we going to be a country that still makes things?

The government has staked billions on its Future Made in Australia policy, but our heavy industries are struggling.

  • Cherelle Murphy
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The Tomago smelter has been facing an uncertain future with its power supply deal with AGL running out in 2028.

PM reveals rescue deal for power-hungry Tomago smelter

Tomago Aluminium, whose majority owner is mining giant Rio Tinto, has been locked in make-or-break negotiations with state and federal governments for months.

  • Nick Toscano and Mike Foley
Most of the gas produced on the east coast is converted into LNG and exported. The federal government is developing a scheme to force producers to reserve some for the domestic market.

‘Crippling prices’: Manufacturers demand gas reservation

The government is being urged to ignore last-minute lobbying to water down its plan for a gas reservation policy.

  • Mike Foley
The federal government is poised to become a bulk buyer of gas in a bid to stop factories shutting down due to high energy prices.

Labor plan to buy gas to stop factory closures as prices soar

The Albanese government is considering a first-ever national scheme to stop factories closing due to high-energy bills.

  • Mike Foley, Nick Toscano and Paul Sakkal
Solar systems have been getting cheaper.

Price shocks force factories to dump gas for cleaner energy

Industrial energy users are starting to turn away from natural gas after a jump in prices, and as solar systems, batteries and heat pumps become cheaper.

  • Nick Toscano