Remote Aussie island claps back at Trump tariffs with new 'export' (2025)

40 shares

Penguins are dipping a toe in global trade as they respond to Donald Trump's tariff on their remote Aussie island by 'exporting' pebbles.

A chart published by the White Houseon April 2 or 'Liberation Day' - listedthe 180 countries the US President was imposing trade levies on.

But the announcement 'ruffled feathers' when it showed a ten percent tariff on Heard Island, a remote Australian territory that has no exports and is uninhabited save for seals, birds and penguins.

A tongue-and-cheek website has since appeared called Heard Island Pebbles, which says the penguins on the uninhabited isle will 'enter international trade'.

'We figured if we're getting taxed, we might as well start exporting,' a feathered spokesperson is quoted as saying on the website.

The product hitting the company's shelves: pebbles. Customers can buy either a $10 digital one or a physical one for a donation of between $50 and $200.

The website said the real pebbles are found on mainland Australia, which shared the Indian Ocean with the island, in order to not disturb the penguins' habitat.

Owners of creative studio Kindred, Milla Novak, 30, and Janelle Mais, 32, were approached by a friend for a wild idea to create a business selling pebbles for conservation efforts.

'We love using our skills for a good cause, so we immediately said we were in,' Ms Mais told Daily Mail Australia.

'Penguins use pebbles for nesting, attracting mates.

'It felt smart and funny to be their first "export".'

The pair, who are both based in New Zealand, said they wanted to pick up the cause to offer good news.

'There's a lot going on in the world right now,' Ms Mais said.

'While we're raising money for an important cause, we wanted to make something feel-good - something that gives people hope, a laugh, and a sense they can make a difference.'

All of the Heard Island Pebbles' proceeds will be donated to WWF Australia to help protect the penguins and support broader conservation efforts in the region. So far, it has raised over $4500.

It is understood the sub-Antarctic islands were included among the countries affected by Trump's tariffs because they are Australian territory, sittingabout 6000km from the mainland.

The islands, which are home to millions of penguins - King, Macaroni, Gentoo, Rockhoppers, would take two weeks to travel to via boat from WA.

Trump critics on social media leapt at the opportunity to ridicule the implication that uninhabited islands will be levied.

'The penguins have been ripping us off for years,' wrote Trump's former communications director Anthony Scaramucci, now a frequent critic of the president.

'What did the penguins do to deserve this...they just want some fish and to not be eaten man!' author Steve Magness said.

'Those penguins have been ripping us off for years,' Peter Berezin, the Chief Global Strategist and Director of research for BCA Research also said.

Other social media users mocked the news by sharing gifs of the Batman villain 'The Penguin' and images of the birds from the animated films 'Penguins of Madagascar' and 'Happy Feet'.

Add your comment