US tariff threats over Greenland pose 'more political than economic' consequences for Europe
French wine bottles on display in a wine and spirits shop in Arlington, Virginia, December 3, 2019. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP The calm lasted less than six months. On July 27, 2025, European countries capitulated to Donald Trump, agreeing to unilateral tariffs of 15% on their goods entering the United States, with a few exceptions, such as pharmaceuticals and aerospace. The stated goal was to secure lasting trade peace and avoid an expensive escalation on both sides of the Atlantic.
The US president could not resist the temptation to once again wield tariffs as a weapon. He is now threatening eight European countries – France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia, and, outside the European Union, the United Kingdom and Norway – with an additional 10% tax as early as February 1, officially because these countries sent symbolic military contingents (of several dozen soldiers) to Greenland. On Monday, January 19, he also threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes in response to President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to join his "board of peace" for Gaza. You have 80.88% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
