The Government's pulling out all stops to get an exemption on proposed US steel trade tariffs.

Australia's already been granted the exemption but New Zealand has yet to receive any confirmation one way or the other.

Trade Minister David Parker told Mike Hosking they've been working on the deal within a day of the US President making the announcement on social media.

He says they don't know which way the US will swing - but says New Zealand has a strong case for dispensation.

"We're making the point that we are a country of fair trade. We are not one of these countries that are hypocritical of trade issues like some of the ones being criticised."

Parker told ZB earlier that he believes Kiwi businessman Chris Liddell being promoted as chief economic advisor in Trump's White House will benefit the countryt. 

LISTEN TO DAVID PARKER TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE