The White House has confirmed Australia will not be exempt from 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. 

The tariffs are set to take effect later on Wednesday, Australian time. 

Former US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, says he cannot fault Australia for failing to make the right arguments.

Mr Trump's spokesperson says Australia should consider moving the steel manufacturing industry to the United States if it wants to receive an exemption.

Yet the Australian Steel Association says the US tariffs on steel and aluminium will have minimal impact on Australian steel.

Also the United States says it will immediately lift its suspension of military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, more than a week after imposing the measures.

The announcement came at talks between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia.

And the political fallout continues after police revealed that an explosives laden caravan found in Sydney's north-west - in January - was a "fake terrorism plot" organised by crime figures.  

The opposition leader has defended himself against the government's accusation that he "deliberately" avoided briefings on the case in order to continue the political attacks.

Coverage and analysis of national and international events.