Outlook Business Desk
US President Donald Trump, announced on Saturday, that a new 10% tariff would be imposed on Denmark and seven other European countries until a complete deal is reached for the purchase of Greenland, warning the duties could rise to 25% by June 1 if negotiations do not move forward.
The tariffs would apply to Denmark along with seven other European countries — Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
Donald Trump has reignited attention on Greenland, calling the territory critical to US national security and warning that Russia and China could expand their footprint in the Arctic. His comments have put the spotlight back on Greenland’s mineral wealth and its growing strategic importance for Washington.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory under Denmark with its own government and parliament. The United States maintains a military presence through Pituffik Space Base, which monitors missiles, conducts space surveillance, and supports Arctic security under long-standing defence agreements.
Greenland has become important as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to valuable resources. Its location also makes it a key area for military and monitoring activities, sparking competition between the United States, Russia and China in the Arctic.
Although, Denmark has strongly rejected Trump’s statements, insisting Greenland is not for sale. Danish leaders emphasised that any decisions about the island’s future must be made by its own government and people, not through outside pressure or economic threats.
Trump’s Greenland remarks also drew NATO attention. Denmark, protected under Article 5, saw the UK, Germany, and other European nations discuss stronger Arctic security. Germany may propose a joint NATO mission, while Canada stressed the importance of international law and national sovereignty.
Thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark against Donald Trump’s plans to take over Greenland. Demonstrations in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, saw people holding signs and shouting, “Greenland is not for sale,” reflecting widespread local opposition to this controversial move.
Despite ongoing talks, US tariffs are sparking reactions in Europe, raising the risk of a wider trade conflict. Diplomatic discussions continue, but European leaders are standing firm, saying Greenland’s political status is not up for negotiation.