Published: January 18, 2026 | World News
In a new development that has rattled the transatlantic ties, the former US President, Donald Trump has declared a 10 percent tariff on imported goods in Denmark, United Kingdom and France on the grounds that the countries have prevented his long held program in regards to Greenland.
The move has elicited intense responses in Europe, with the leaders terming the move as unjust and hazardous to world trade balance.
Why Donald Trump Took the Decision
Trump claimed that the tariffs are due to what he termed as European opposition to the strategic interests of America in Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, which is of great significance because of its location in the Arctic, rare earth resources, and strategic significance of the military. Trump has on numerous occasions cited that U.S. dominance of the island is critical in national security, particularly following the increased Chinese and Russian presence in the Arctic area.
Trump stated in one of his postings in social media that European countries had neglected the security interests in America and would take economic action about this.
Countries Affected by the Tariff
The new trade measure will be applicable to imported goods in the United States of:
- Denmark
- United Kingdom
- France
According to the officials, other European countries might be included later in case of resistance.
The tariff will take effect on February 1 and maybe increase in the duties in case of failure of the negotiations.
Strong Reaction From Europe
European leaders responded swiftly and with a lot of force.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariff threat against allies as unacceptable, and said that the future of Greenland would be determined by the citizens and Denmark alone.
The move was also criticised by the French President Emmanuel Macron who advised that my trade sanctions against any friendly country could critically ruin the years of diplomatic relations between Europe and the United States.
The government of Denmark was adamant that Greenland is not on sale and this has been restated many times since Trump had first proposed the idea many years ago.
Political Tension and Public Protests
The news caused a demonstration in some areas in Denmark and Greenland, with people holding placards with the text Our land is not a bargaining chip.
Once again, the leadership of Greenland emphasized that the political future of the Island will not be decided by the world but by the leadership of the Island itself.
The problem is now expanded more than diplomacy and it has become a symbolic battle of sovereignty, respect and influence of power globally.
Possible Economic Impact
Scholars caution that the tariffs may have broader effects:
- Increased costs to the American consumers.
- European pressure on the exporters.
- Risks of retaliation tariffs on U.S. products.
- New turmoil in global trade markets.
According to economists, the application of tariffs as a political instrument may undermine the relationship of traditional allies.
What Happens Next
European Union officials should be expected to discuss a common reaction and trade analysts are keeping a close eye on whether some negotiation will restart before the tariffs are enacted.
So far, the Greenland controversy has again demonstrated the growing interplay between geopolitics, trade and national pride in the international arena.
Bottom Line
The move by Trump to buy Greenland by imposing tariffs on the case is a new chapter in the U.S. European friction. It is yet to be known whether it will result in negotiations or a larger trade conflict, but the message Europe sends is clear: Greenland is not going to be sold.