SYDNEY (AP) — The U.S. appeared set to grant Australia an exemption from its new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports following discussions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. That triggered a diplomatic offensive from Australia, including a letter to Trump signed by business leaders and former Australian golfing great Greg Norman, a Trump supporter and friend. ADVERTISEMENTAfter a telephone call with Turnbull on Friday, Trump tweeted: “Spoke to PM @TurnbullMalcolm of Australia. “Our trade relationship, as the president acknowledges, is a fair and reciprocal one,” Turnbull said. “It’s absolutely, it’s a level playing field and, in fact, the U.S. has a large trade surplus with Australia.” /mufADVERTISEMENT

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 10, 2018 03:22 UTC