Uninhabited Islands Face Unusual TariffsCEFR B1
8 Apr 2025
Adapted from Kevin Rennie, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Emmanuel Appiah, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
Recently, the U.S. government imposed tariffs on some unusual targets, including Norfolk Island and the Heard and McDonald Islands. Norfolk Island, home to around 2,000 people, now faces a 29% tariff despite having no exports to the United States. This island is known for its stunning Norfolk pine trees and has a thriving tourism sector.
On the other hand, the Heard and McDonald Islands are entirely uninhabited and have a population of zero, except for penguins. They have been hit with a 10% tariff. This raises questions about how these remote islands are included in trade data.
Many people expressed confusion and humor on social media about these tariffs. The situation has sparked a mix of criticism and jokes, noting that the U.S. is taxing penguins while exempting other countries from tariffs. The debate continues around the implications of these actions.
Difficult words
- tariff — A tax on goods when imported.tariffs
- unusual — Not common or not normal.
- exempting — Not being affected by a rule or tax.
- criticism — The expression of disapproval.
- implications — Possible effects or results.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are your thoughts on taxing unusual targets like islands?
- How do you feel about tariffs affecting wildlife like penguins?
- What impact might these tariffs have on tourism in Norfolk Island?
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