Washington: In a bizarre move, US President Donald Trump has declared war on... penguins and seals?! Yes, you read that right! Trump's latest tariffs target the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands near Antarctica.

These icy islands, home to colonies of adorable penguins and seals, are now facing a 10 per cent levy on their exports to the US. With this netizens have started to question on what is the charge? On what exports? Icebergs? Snowcones?

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacted with a mix of shock and amusement, saying "Nowhere on earth is safe... from Trump's tariffs, apparently!"

The tariffs also target two remote Norwegian territories, Jan Mayen and Svalbard, with a combined population of roughly 2,500 people.

According to World Bank data, the US imports a mere USD 1.4 million worth of goods from Heard Island and McDonald Islands, sparking curiosity about what "machinery and electrical" imports could be coming from the uninhabited region.

The tariffs, set to take effect on April 5, have sent trade experts, economists, and investors scrambling to assess their impact. Russia, also on the tariff list, has been a point of contention for Trump, who expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the stalled Ukrainian ceasefire plan.