The US Commerce Secretary has defended the decision to impose tariffs on the Heard and McDonald islands, which are populated by penguins and seals. The move aims to close “ridiculous loopholes” and prevent other countries from shipping through the islands to reach the US.
The Australian government has reacted with surprise to the tariffs on the island, which is an Australian territory. The US government claims the tariffs will prevent countries from trying to “arbitrage America” by shipping through the islands. The decision has been made to protect US trade interests.