President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would impose a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and five other European countries in a decision that has sent tremors through the corridors of NATO and global markets. The retaliatory action is aimed at rebuffing them on their stand against his administration’s resurrection of a race to win back Greenland.
The “Tariff King” Strikes Again
The announcement is made via Truth Social, and is aimed at countries that have just sent a small military force to Greenland to further bolster Danish sovereignty. Calling himself the “Tariff King,” Trump announced these countries have “journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown” to form what he called a “very dangerous situation” with respect to global security.
The countries impacted include:
- Denmark
- The United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Norway
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- Finland
The 10% tariff, which will go into force on February 1, 2026. In an additional escalation, the President announced that the rate would rise to 25% by June 1, 2026, unless a "Complete and Total purchase of Greenland" is accomplished.
National Security vs. Sovereignty
President Trump justified the move by arguing that they needed the Arctic territories strategically. He said the island heavy in rare earth minerals was now “vulnerable” to Chinese and Russian influence.
“Russia and China want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” Trump posted. "They have two dogsleds as guard at present and only the United States can play in this game."
The White House insists that Greenland’s geographic location is key to the success of the “Golden Dome” missile defense system and the modern, weapons platforms.
A Cold Response from Europe
European leaders have quickly denounced the move as “blackmail.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated the point that Greenland is not for sale and that its future is for the people of Greenland and Denmark alone to decide.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, said the tariffs were “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that Europe is ready to defend its sovereignty and the security architecture since the Second World War. Thousands of protesters were taking to the streets in Nuuk and Copenhagen in the name "Hands Off Greenland."
Economic Fallout
The timing of the tariffs is jarring, particularly for the UK, few months after a 2025 trade deal with the U.S. was celebrated as a new stage of cooperation. Economists say such “Greenland Tariffs” could spark:
Increasing costs for American shoppers on European luxury products, autos and machinery. European Union retaliatory tariffs on American exports. Strain on NATO as allies face sanctions for preserving territorial integrity.
