The new permanent levy replaces a temporary 10 per cent tariff due to expire at the same time and is part of what the US claims is an effort to tackle the global issue of "forced labour" in supply chains.Whilst the government insists its handling of forced labour and modern slavery is top-tier, one expert has said Australia's protections are greatly lacking, while another has suggested that Australia is a victim of Trump's tensions with China in this scenario.Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has called for the tariff measures to be reversed, telling SBS News that they are "unjustified" and "inconsistent" with existing free-trade agreements with the US."These tariffs … should be removed," he said in a statement."Australia's measures to combat forced labour and modern slavery are among the strongest in the world, and we are recognised globally, including in the US, for our leadership."Almost all goods sent to the US will be affected at the specific direction of US President Donald Trump These include Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.The action is being taken against the US' 60 largest trading partners in an effort to "correct what is both a human rights abuse and a distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere".The Australian Industry Group has described the tariffs as "both disappointing and meritless"