10% Tariff from Next Month, 25% Starting in June
"France, UK, and Others Creating Unbearable Risks"
President Donald Trump of the United States announced on the 17th (local time) that the U.S. will impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries starting from the 1st of next month, and a 25% tariff from June 1, in response to their opposition to the U.S. intention to annex Greenland.
President Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social that "Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland have headed to Greenland without a clear purpose." He went on to say, "This is an extremely dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of the planet," and criticized, "These countries, which are playing this very dangerous game, have caused risks that are both unsustainable and unbearable."
This move targets European countries that have either deployed troops to Greenland or expressed their intention to do so, following recent U.S. discussions about possible military action to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
President Trump emphasized, "It is essential to take strong measures to ensure that this potential risk situation is resolved swiftly and without question, in order to protect global peace and security," adding, "Starting from the 1st of next month, all of the aforementioned countries will be subject to a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the United States."
He further stated, "On June 1, 2026, the tariff will be raised to 25%," and added, "These tariffs will remain in place until a full and comprehensive agreement is reached regarding the complete purchase of Greenland."
This is interpreted as an intention to maintain pressure on European countries through the imposition of tariffs.
Regarding the U.S. intention to annex Greenland, President Trump said, "The United States has been pursuing this deal for over 150 years. Many presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused."
He continued, "Greenland is essential to 'Golden Dome,' the next-generation U.S. missile defense network," explaining, "This system, which is highly advanced yet extremely complex, can only achieve its maximum potential and efficiency when this land (Greenland) is included, considering angles, range, and boundary points."
He also stated, "The United States is ready to immediately negotiate with Denmark and other European countries."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
