Trump Puts 10% Tariffs on Eight European Countries — Rising to 25% — Until the U.S. Buys Greenland

On January 17, 2026, President Trump announced tariffs on eight European countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland — over their opposition to U.S. acquisition of Greenland. The rate was set at 10 percent beginning February 1, escalating to 25 percent on June 1 absent an agreement for what Trump called "the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland." Officials indicated the tariffs would rest on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. As of January 19 no executive order or implementing guidance had been issued.

The legal footing was already contested: lower courts had ruled that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs, and the question was pending before the Supreme Court. The measures also conditioned trade treatment on a territorial concession by NATO allies.

The eight governments jointly warned the tariffs "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral," and the EU convened emergency consultations on retaliation. Thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark.