President Donald Trump’s “mutual tariffs” hit major trading partners on Wednesday, but several small islands and remote areas also remained on the shooting line. The newly elected White House leader has set a baseline tariff rate of 10% across the board due to the large number of collections affecting more than 180 countries. Some of the strangest places affected include deserted islands near Antarctica and military bases in the Indian Ocean.
President Donald Trump’s aggressive and widespread “mutual tariffs” were signed on Wednesday and came into effect in more than 180 countries, from major trading partners to remote islands.
The newly elected White House leader announced a massive amount of taxation on April 2, marking the date as “liberation date” and setting a baseline rate of 10% for all imported goods into the US.
Major trading partners have absorbed some of the steepest tariff rates, from 34% in China to 20% in the European Union, 46% in Vietnam and 32% in Taiwan.
Trump and the White House shared a series of social media charts detailing tariffs applied to affected countries. Surprisingly, near the end of the list was a series of remote, unmanned Australian islands, offshore territory and even military bases.
Heard and the McDonald’s Islands
The Heard Islands and MacDonald Islands, the external territories of Australia, are located 4,100 km from Perth, Western Australia and 1,700 km from Antarctica.
According to the UNESCO World Heritage Treaty, the territory is considered one of the farthest places on Earth with a “unusual, untouched island ecosystem,” and is home to many species, including flying birds, penguins, seals and invertebrates.
To reach the island, you will need to take a two-week boat voyage from Perth. In other words, visits are rare.
Despite lack of economic activity, Heard and the MacDonald’s Islands were hit by 10% tariffs on Wednesday.
Norfolk Island and Cocos Island
Many other Australian territory was in court with tariffs, including Norfolk Island, which has a population of about 2,000. The population is only 544, and Christmas Island is home to 1,692 people.
Norfolk Island has been hit with some of the best 29% missions despite Australia facing a 10% tax. According to the CIA, the US is one of the top trading partners, with 31% of exports heading towards the state. Meanwhile, Cocos and Christmas Islands face 10% tariffs.
“Norfolk Island has a 29% tariff. I’m not sure Norfolk Island is a trade competitor with the US giant economy in that regard, but it shows and exemplifies the fact that it is not safe anywhere on the planet.
The Indian Ocean Territories of the UK
The British Indian Ocean Territories are overseas British territory with no permanent population, but its largest island, Diego Garcia, has a British-US joint facility with around 4,000 people, mostly made up of military personnel.
The territory is a major exporter of fish, and according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the US is its best destination.
A 10% tariff was hit.
Reunion
Lenion, France’s overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, faces an astounding duty of up to 37%, while the European Union is hit by a 20% tariff.
Réunion’s population is approximately 882,000 according to the latest data.
Tokerau
Tokelau, a New Zealand dependent territory in the South Pacific, has a population of over 1,600, and faces 10% tariffs, according to the CIA.
The area is made up of three coral atolls, Fakaofo, Atafu and Nukunonu, and is not an easy place without a port, port or airport. Travelers must travel around 24-36 hours, taking the boat from Samoa, which operates every two weeks.
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