In a surprising shift following global criticism, the United States has scaled back planned tariff hikes on several small territories, including two French overseas regions that were initially facing steep import duties.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced aggressive tariffs on a number of countries and territories as part of its sweeping new trade policy.
Among the most notable targets were France’s La Réunion and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which were originally set to face tariffs of 37% and 50% respectively.
However, according to an updated list seen by AFP on Friday, both regions will now face a reduced 10% levy—in line with other French overseas territories like Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and French Guiana.
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The initial announcement sparked strong backlash from local leaders. Huguette Bello, the regional president of La Réunion, called President Trump “ignorant” in response to the proposed tariff hike.
Stéphane Lenormand, a member of parliament from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, went further, denouncing what he called “incompetence in the American administration.”
These small territories, while politically tied to France, are often treated differently under international trade and tax laws. La Réunion, for instance, is part of the EU’s customs union but has special tax considerations that set it apart. Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, on the other hand, is not officially part of the EU.
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Australia’s Norfolk Island also saw relief in the revised tariff list. Initially set to face a 29% duty, the small island territory—home to just about 2,000 residents—will now also be subject to a 10% import tariff.
These adjustments come just before the first phase of tariffs is scheduled to take effect. Starting Saturday, all imports to the U.S. (with the exception of those from Canada and Mexico) will be hit with a 10% tariff. A second wave will follow next Wednesday, imposing steeper, targeted duties: 20% on European Union imports and 34% on goods from China.
The rollback on smaller territories suggests a growing sensitivity within the Trump administration to international criticism—and possibly a recalibration of its broader trade strategy. But for now, the message remains clear: America is moving full steam ahead on reshaping its global trade relationships.
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