29% tariff on an island with no exports
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (350236)
Rockingham, Australia
April 5, 2025 11:15pm CST
Norfolk Island which lies between New Zealand and Australia, has a population of around 2,100 people. It comes under Australian jurisdiction. Like several other tiny islands, notably Heard and McDonald Islands, it’s been hit with a 29% tariff from the Trump administration. This has left local residents bemused.
During the 1930s, the islanders did export bananas and bean seeds but now, apart from small exports of palm seed, mostly to Europe, it relies on tourism for its income.
When residents first heard of the tariffs, some thought it was an April Fool’s joke. I guess if they don’t export anything, then they won’t be very much affected but you have to wonder who is making some of these decisions.
17 people like this
14 responses
@DaddyEvil (145185)
• United States
6 Apr
Only a trump cultist, will claim trump is smart... 
trump is making all the idiotic decisions you hear about lately.
trump is making all the idiotic decisions you hear about lately.7 people like this
@DaddyEvil (145185)
• United States
6 Apr
@JudyEv There are a few of his cult on myLot... I keep my thoughts to myself when they're around. They can get quite aggressive and I don't like politics very much.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (350236)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Apr
@DaddyEvil I try not to say too much to them either but I have made a few comments to the others. It's hard not to sometimes.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (185925)
• United States
6 Apr
Obviously not much thought and research is going into these tariffs.
4 people like this
@lifecoachjerusalem (1310)
• Israel
6 Apr
All the people who would be able to make the correct calucations have been fired.
2 people like this
He is the one making these decisions.
@wolfgirl569 (114114)
• Marion, Ohio
6 Apr
He put tariffs on an island full of penguins too 
. No humans there.
. No humans there.2 people like this
@GardenGerty (162949)
• United States
7 Apr
It is a very silly and costly to some joke, or plan, or whatever.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (350236)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Apr
The whole situation is quite absurd in a way, but still quite worrying.
@rsa101 (38355)
• Philippines
7 Apr
It really makes you think, doesn’t it? Even a tiny island like Norfolk, with barely any exports, somehow gets caught in the ripple effect of major global decisions. It’s kind of wild how something like Trump’s tariff war can reach so far that it even touches places that seem completely off the grid. I guess it’s a reminder that in today’s world, no one’s really isolated—policies made in big countries can end up impacting communities halfway across the globe, even if it’s just through confusion or concern. Makes you wonder how many other small places are feeling the effects without us even realizing.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38355)
• Philippines
13h
@JudyEv As a developing country, we often feel the impact of global changes—especially in the non-government sector, where many organizations rely on support from international partners like USAID. When there's a sudden shift in U.S. foreign policy or how long-time allies are treated, NGOs are usually among the first to feel the effects.
I’m not particularly for or against Trump, but I find it unsettling how the current administration sometimes approaches governance like running a business—treating partnerships and international support as if they’re purely transactions or assets to acquire. That kind of mindset can strain relationships and affect the people on the ground who rely on these connections the most.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (350236)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Apr
That's very true. There could be far-reaching effects that few have even thought about yet. Countries might feel the need to cut back on aid to third world countries just to safeguard their own citizens. I think every country will feel the effects of these decisions in some way.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (143384)
• India
7 Apr
Many other countries are affected by tariffs - thanks to Trump Administration.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73203)
• United States
23h
Again, I’m sorry. Thankfully, most people know that we all aren’t lacking in functional brain cells just because the guy at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue doesn’t seem to have any.
1 person likes this
@porwest (98808)
• United States
7 Apr
It's not so much about what they export, really. Consider this, they IMPORT most things, and a LOT of what they import comes from us. What do they charge US for OUR goods coming into their island? 58%. If they aren't exporting anything to the United States, then they pay nothing at all, so what's the complaint? But do they not know they are charging US 58% is the question, here.
If they think a tariff is unfair, why are they charging US a tariff that FAR EXCEEDS what we are asking for in return IF they were to export something to the United States?
I think the problem with this tariff argument is that the people arguing against them have NO IDEA what other countries charge the United States for our goods entering THEIR countries.
