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St. Pierre et Miquelon, a small French island near Canada, now has the highest taxes on its exports to the US—99%. This is because of a new trade policy from the Trump administration, meant to fix trade issues and support US businesses.
St. Pierre et Miquelon is now facing 50% duty on its US exports.
UPDATED: Apr 5, 2025 01:22 IST
A small French island with a population of just 6,000 has emerged as the most taxed place in the world due to a unique trade policy of the US government.
St. Pierre et Miquelon, located near Canada, is now facing 50% duty on its US exports. The unexpected action is the result of the Trump administration's algorithm to level the balance of trade.
The island, which exports only $3.5 million of products annually, primarily lobsters, has been hit with enormous tariffs. Political activist Drew Pavlou was the initial one to draw attention to the new tariff on social media, terming it "insane."
He claimed, "The French overseas territory St. Pierre et Miquelon (population 5,800) now has the highest tariff rates in the world at 99%... My guess is they likely export a tiny amount... without importing anything in return. So the insane White House algorithm would have produced this insane 99% tariff figure."
Heavy tariff on island nation
The high tariff rate is a part of President Donald Trump’s plan to adjust trade policies and support U.S. manufacturing. On April 2, 2025, Trump announced his new tariffs, calling the day "Liberation Day" for American industry. Most countries now face a 10% tariff, but 60 countries, including China and Cambodia, are hit with higher rates. St. Pierre et Miquelon’s 50% tariff, however, stands out for its extreme size.
The 50% reciprocal tariff is one of President Donald Trump's moves to realign trade policy and favour US manufacturing. On April 2, 2025, Trump revealed his new tariffs, declaring the day "Liberation Day" for American business.
The majority of nations now face a 10% tariff, but 60 nations, including China and Cambodia, are slapped with higher rates.
Many users on social media reacted with disbelief at the tariff, with one user saying, "Trump has put 10% tariffs on Mayotte and Martinique and a massive 73% on Runion, without realising these islands are part of France!" Another user pointed out that the tariff might not be as "insane."
Meanwhile, a user also came up with the logic behind Trump's action. He replied, "The tiny island of St. Pierre et Miquelon got a 99% tariff because somebody bought 3.4 million worth of goods in July 2024 (most likely crustaceans).
The 5,8 k inhabitants "only" bought 100k worth of US goods in 2024."
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Apr 5, 2025
