Donald Trump invited widespread mockery after imposing tariffs not just on some of America's biggest trading partners—but on uninhabited islands as well, namely the Heard and McDonald Islands, which had 10% tariffs levied against them despite having no actual human populations to speak of.
Trump, in his tariff announcement on Wednesday, declared April 2 as the day American industry "will be reborn," heralding what he called a "golden age of America." He emphasized that the new tariffs would not only counter foreign tariffs but also address what he described as "nonmonetary" trade barriers, including currency manipulation and "pollution havens."
Among other things, he warned foreign countries that "if you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America.”
He outlined steep tariff rates, with China set to face a 34 percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, Japan 24 percent, and India 26 percent. On top of these, he announced a universal baseline tariff of 10 percent, meaning that some countries, like China, could effectively face a 44 percent tariff when combined with existing duties.
Strangely, the Heard and McDonald Islands were included as well, despite being uninhabited by humans, accessible only by a multi-day boat journey from Australia, and primarily home to penguins and seals—though the region does support a fishery. They are among the remotest places on Earth and are accessible only via a two-week boat voyage from the western Australian city of Perth.
@RapidResponse47/X
You can see just how remote how they are by checking out the map below.
Wikipedia Creative Commons
It was so ridiculous that people couldn't help but point out the utter cluelessness of Trump, let alone his administration.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands were among several Australian "external territories" listed separately in the tariff plan.
These territories, while part of Australia and not self-governing, have a distinct relationship with the federal government. Other external territories on the White House list included the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, and Norfolk Island.
Notably, Norfolk Island—home to just 2,188 people and located 1,600 km (1,000 miles) northeast of Sydney—was hit with a 29% tariff, a full 19 percentage points higher than the rest of Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Trump’s decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on Australia, calling it “not the act of a friend.” However, he ruled out implementing reciprocal tariffs against the United States.
