A tariff hike on exports to the US is not linked to Australia's response to modern slavery, the trade minister says, following talks with his American counterpart.
The Trump administration announced plans last week for a new 12.5 per cent tariff on dozens of countries it says are failing to crack down on goods made with forced labour.
The proposed tariff was made public by US trade representative Jamieson Greer as part of an investigation into what Washington says were unfair trade practices by 60 countries.
But Trade Minister Don Farrell suggested the US' reason for the plan was not accepted by Australia.
"I don't see the two as being linked, as such," he said when asked if he would negotiate with the US about its claim Australia does not adequately address slavery in its supply chains.
