Washington Reduces Tariffs on French Territories La Reunion and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Washington has announced a reduction in the tariffs initially set for two French overseas territories, La Reunion and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, following backlash and criticism. Earlier this week, the Trump administration had planned to impose high import duties—37% for La Reunion in the Indian Ocean and 50% for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon in the North Atlantic.

However, a revised list published on Friday indicated that La Reunion, which is part of the European Union’s customs area but treated separately for tax purposes, will now face a much lower tariff of 10%. Similarly, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which is not part of the EU, will be subject to the same 10% duty.

This change aligns the two territories with other French overseas regions such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Mayotte.

The initial tariff announcement had sparked strong reactions from local officials. La Reunion’s regional president, Huguette Bello, criticized the U.S. administration, calling President Trump “ignorant” for the decision. Meanwhile, Stéphane Lenorman, a member of parliament from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, condemned what he described as “incompetence” within the U.S. government.

The revised tariff list also saw significant reductions for Norfolk Island, a small Australian territory located between New Zealand and French New Caledonia. The initial tariff of 29% was slashed to 10%.

Starting Saturday, 10% tariffs will apply to all U.S. imports, excluding those from Canada and Mexico. However, next Wednesday, tariff rates will increase for several U.S. trade partners, with the European Union facing a 20% tariff and China facing 34%.