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Trump Tariffs Target Australian Territories, Including Uninhabited Islands

The sweeping trade policy imposes tariffs on Norfolk Island and Heard and McDonald Islands, sparking confusion and ridicule over potential data errors.

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U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a chart of "reciprocal tariffs" while speaking during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC.
A waddle of King penguins on the shores of Heard Island.

Overview

  • Donald Trump's new tariff policy includes a baseline 10% tax on imports from over 180 countries and regions, with Norfolk Island facing a 29% tariff.
  • Heard and McDonald Islands, uninhabited territories home to penguins, were also subjected to a 10% tariff despite no human activity or significant trade.
  • Reports suggest the tariffs may stem from erroneous or mislabelled shipping data, with goods misattributed to these territories.
  • Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, criticized the policy as indiscriminate and questioned its rationale.
  • The policy has drawn widespread ridicule online, with memes mocking the absurdity of targeting penguins in a trade war.