US President Donald Trump has introduced a 10% customs duty on the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands, located in the southern Indian Ocean. Despite the islands being devoid of human inhabitants, they play a critical role in the ecological balance of the region, primarily due to the presence of penguin populations. This decision has raised eyebrows among conservationists and environmentalists, as these islands are recognised for their significant biodiversity.
The islands are part of Australia’s external territories, and while they do not have a permanent human population, they are vital to global wildlife protection efforts. The presence of various penguin species and other native fauna makes the islands an important point of focus for ecological conservation, despite their remote location.
The new 10% duty, announced unexpectedly by Trump, has sparked questions regarding the political and economic motivations behind this decision, especially in relation to areas with no traditional economic activity but which are still important for environmental purposes.
In a broader context, Trump’s announcement of duties also includes higher tariffs for countries such as China (34%), the European Union (20%), and Great Britain (20%).
| Country | Duty Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| China | 34 |
| EU | 20 |
| Great Britain | 20 |
