Tokelau’s trifecta of issues: Trump’s tariffs, delayed tuna funds, and self-determination

Photo: Supplied/ Elena Pasilio. Retrieved from rnz.co.nz

The initial reaction from Tokelauans to President Donald Trump’s tariffs of surprise and laughter has turned to sadness.

“I’m very surprised,” Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau general manager (national) Aukusitino Vitale told RNZ Pacific.

Vitale, almost lost for words, said there is really not a lot to say but, “we don’t export to the USA”.

He is dumbfounded as to why small Pacific Islands nations, like Fiji that has a 32 percent tariff to its name and does export to the US, have been slammed.

“We are small Pacific Island countries, and I’m finding it really difficult to understand what threat the Pacific is to US economy,” Vitale said.

“We are kind of saddened because the most important thing is to assist Tokelau, being a very small nation”.