BackInternational Trade
Major EU states and allies condemn Trump tariff threats over Greenland, consider retaliation
European leaders from eight NATO countries issued a joint statement condemning U.S. President Trump's tariff threats linked to military presence in Greenland. Trump announced 10% tariffs starting February 1, 2026, potentially rising to 25%. EU separately announced retaliatory tariffs against U.S. steel and aluminum measures.
Why It Matters
Escalates transatlantic trade tensions, risks broader retaliation, and strains NATO alliance amid U.S. demands for Greenland control.
Timeline
7 Events
Trump announces steel and aluminum tariffs
February 10, 2025
Trump announced 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, targeting EU among others for trade barriers like car tariffs and shellfish ban.
Trump imposes initial tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China
February 1, 2025
Trump imposed 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico goods (suspended 30 days) and 10% on China goods.
EU announces retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum
March 11, 2025
EU stated U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum will not go unanswered, planning to reimpose 2018-2020 tariffs and new measures after member state discussions.
Denmark PM praises European support
January 18, 2026
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated Europe will not be blackmailed, praising support from allies.
Joint statement by eight leaders condemning tariffs
January 18, 2026
Leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and UK issued joint statement condemning Trump's tariffs as risking dangerous downward spiral, reaffirming NATO solidarity and sovereignty over Greenland.
Eight countries deploy military to Greenland for Arctic exercise
Recent days January 17, 2026
NATO countries including Denmark deployed military personnel to Greenland for Danish-led Arctic Endurance exercise, prompting Trump's tariff announcement.
Trump announces 10% tariffs on eight countries over Greenland
night, January 17, 2026
President Trump posted on Truth Social announcing 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and UK starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1 until a deal for U.S. purchase of Greenland.