Depth of US-Australia ties on show in tariff reprieve

The US increased tariffs on many nations but left levies on most Australian products at 10 per cent. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Donald Trump's decision to spare Australia from increased tariffs shows the strength of the bilateral relationship, an expert says, and could give the nation an edge in global trade.

While the US president has raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent.