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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.

Image
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.