Jesse Schiller and Rachel Evans, a Canadian couple residing on Norfolk Island, are uniquely impacted by the Trump administration’s tariffs, despite their island’s lack of exports to the U.S. They run Kooshoo, a business dedicated to producing plastic-free hair accessories, with a significant portion—about 80%—of their sales directed to American customers.
Schiller, originally from Vancouver, remarked that they are among the very few local business owners feeling the effects of these elevated tariffs. The couple is set to face tariffs based on rates applied to goods made in Japan and India, where their products are manufactured, rather than the global minimum of 10% imposed on Australia and its territories. Norfolk Island was surprisingly subjected to a hefty 29% tariff, a situation Schiller describes as “possibly the most affected business” on the island.
The inclusion of Norfolk Island in the tariff list raised eyebrows, with locals questioning the rationale behind such severe treatment. Schiller suggested that this might stem from a misunderstanding involving mislabelled customs paperwork, given that other notable places named Norfolk exist globally. This confusion appears to have led to Norfolk Island’s disproportionate tariff rate.
Evans, who has a deep ancestral connection to Norfolk Island as a descendant of the HMS Bounty mutineers, indicated that their eco-friendly lifestyle has been integral to their brand since its inception in Vancouver. She expressed confidence that they would adapt to the new trade barriers, stating, “Definitely for the short-term we’ll figure out a way to bridge this.”
The couple now finds themselves emblematic of a broader issue regarding the application of tariffs and the nuances often overlooked in international trade policies. As they navigate these challenges, they remain committed to their sustainable business practices, which they believe will help them endure the current trade difficulties.