The Trump administration will impose a 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian exports later today over forced labour accusations.

A statement released by the US Trade Representative (USTR) said the tariff on Australia and 59 other countries will take effect from 12:01am Friday, Washington time, or 2.01pm AEST.

“President Trump recognises that decades of moral suasion have not eradicated forced labour from global supply chains. The United States has had a forced labour import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same,” the statement read, attributing the quote to US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

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“Today’s action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere. I am encouraged by the trading partners who have moved quickly to adopt forced labour import prohibitions, and look forward to ensuring their effective enforcement.”

The new tariffs come as temporary 10 per cent worldwide tariffs are set to expire at the same time. Trump had turned to those levies after the Supreme Court struck down his biggest and boldest tariffs in February. 

Prior to today’s final decision the US trade representative had conducted two rounds of public hearings, more than 2,100 public comments, and engaged with trading partners. The Albanese Government had argued Australia has robust legal architecture against modern slavery.  That submission falling on deaf ears.

— With AP