Trump imposes tariffs on volcanic islands near Antarctica, where only penguins live

Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on uninhabited volcanic islands near Antarctica, including Heard and McDonald Islands, which are part of Australia's external territories, The Guardian reports.

These glacier-covered, penguin-inhabited islands are some of the most remote places on Earth, accessible only by a two-week boat trip from Perth. The islands have no permanent population and the last human visit was almost 10 years ago.

However, the islands have been added to the list of "countries" that will be subject to new trade tariffs, including a 10% tariff. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has commented on the situation, saying: "Nowhere on Earth is safe." Heard and McDonald Islands are part of Australia, but they have a special relationship with the federal government.

Norfolk, another Australian external territory, received a 29% tariff, 19 percentage points higher than the rest of the country. According to 2023 figures, the island exported goods worth $655,000 to the United States, with leather boots being the main export. However, the Norfolk administration disputes this figure, claiming that no exports from the island were known.

Export data from Heard Island and McDonald Islands is even more confusing. These territories have fisheries, but no buildings or any human population. Despite this, the United States imported $1.4 million worth of goods from Heard Island and McDonald Islands in 2022, according to World Bank export data.