Trump Announces 10% Tariffs on Eight European Nations President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent duty on imports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom effective February 1, tying the measure to their support for Greenland and opposition to a U.S. purchase plan; he warned the rate could rise to 25 percent on June 1 if no agreement is reached [1][2]. The eight countries were explicitly named, and the tariffs target a broad range of goods, raising immediate cost pressures for both sides of the Atlantic [1][2]. The move represents the latest escalation in a diplomatic dispute over the strategic Arctic territory of Greenland [1][2].

EU Considers Deploying Anti‑Coercion Instrument as Countermeasure French officials and European lawmakers have urged the bloc to activate its Anti‑Coercion Instrument, a trade “bazooka” originally designed to deter pressure from China, as a response to the U.S. tariffs [1][2]. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly pressed the European Commission to ready the tool, which could restrict market access or impose export controls on U.S. products [2]. EU officials confirm the mechanism remains on the table, though analysts note implementation could take several months [2].

Potential Retaliatory Tariffs Could Reach €93 Billion EU leaders have discussed re‑activating €93 billion ($108 billion) of previously announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States, tariffs that were paused during a tentative trade truce [1][2]. If deployed, these measures would target a wide swath of U.S. exports, intensifying uncertainty for American businesses and investors [2]. The prospect of such large‑scale retaliation threatens to derail a pending U.S.–EU trade and tax agreement covering roughly $108 billion in goods [1].

Political Reactions Highlight Divergent Stances Greenland’s prime minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen rejected U.S. pressure, affirming the territory will not capitulate over the tariff dispute [1]. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled that Britain will not retaliate with its own tariffs, emphasizing daily communication with Washington to preserve the relationship [1]. The eight affected allies issued a joint warning that the tariffs risk a dangerous downward spiral and could jeopardize the broader U.S.–EU trade deal [1].