Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from eight European countries unless Greenland is sold to the United States, escalating geopolitical tensions over the Arctic territory.
- Trump threatens 25% tariffs on imports from eight European nations
- Targeted countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
- Annual trade between the U.S. and the eight nations totals $145 billion
- Tariffs would apply to industrial equipment, electronics, and consumer goods
- Policy echoes 2019 drug pricing leverage strategy but with broader economic impact
- Greenland remains under Danish sovereignty with self-governance and a population of 57,000
Former President Donald Trump has signaled that the United States may impose a 25% tariff on imports from eight European nations if Greenland is not transferred to U.S. ownership. The announcement, made during a public address in January 2026, marked a renewed push for U.S. acquisition of the Danish autonomous territory, which has long been a subject of strategic interest due to its Arctic location and mineral resources. The targeted nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany—account for approximately $145 billion in annual trade with the United States. A 25% tariff on their exports would significantly disrupt supply chains and increase consumer prices, particularly in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and machinery. The move echoes Trump’s 2019 strategy of leveraging tariffs to pressure foreign governments on pharmaceutical pricing, though the current scale of economic impact is substantially greater. The proposed tariffs would apply to a broad range of goods, including industrial equipment, medical devices, and consumer electronics. If enacted, the policy could trigger retaliatory measures from the European Union and strain transatlantic relations at a time of heightened global instability. The U.S. Department of Commerce has not yet issued formal guidance on the matter, but the threat has already prompted diplomatic consultations between Washington and European capitals. Greenland, with a population of around 57,000 and a territory larger than France, remains under Danish sovereignty but enjoys self-governance. The U.S. has previously shown interest in acquiring the island, notably in 1867 when it attempted to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The current proposal, if pursued, would represent one of the most aggressive economic coercion tactics in modern U.S. foreign policy.