Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is just hours away from landing to the US where he will be holding vital talks with US President Donald Trump.

Trade, tariffs and the AUKUS defence pact will top the agenda when the two leaders are due to meet on Tuesday morning (US time).

There is also expected to be discussion about a potential critical minerals deal to ease the US reliance on China for the crucial rare earths.

The AUKUS pact - under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines - has been under review by the Pentagon. During his visit, it's been anticipated Albanese will announce a further billion dollar payment to the US as part of the agreement.

Nine Network political editor Charles Croucher told Today this morning, the first face-to-face talks between Albanese and Trump

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