Washington, Jan 17: U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a 10 percent import tax on eight European countries, citing their opposition to American efforts to acquire Greenland.
The new trade penalties are set to take effect in February and will target goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. In a social media post, the president stated that these tariffs will surge to 25 percent on June 1 if an agreement for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is not finalized.
“This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump said.
The president’s announcement follows heightening tensions between Washington and its NATO allies. Trump noted that the U.S. has subsidized European security for decades and suggested that Denmark should now facilitate the deal to ensure world peace. He mentioned that the acquisition is vital for national security, specifically for the development of defense systems.
The move comes amid widespread protests in Nuuk and Copenhagen, where residents have rallied to reject any potential U.S. takeover. While Trump has warned that rival powers have designs on the mineral-rich territory, European leaders have maintained that Greenland is not for sale.
“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said.
Critics have labeled the move a drastic escalation that could fracture the alliance providing collective security to the West. Trump concluded by noting that the United States remains open to negotiation with Denmark and the other affected nations to resolve the dispute.
