Washington: US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced plans to impose a 10 per cent import tax on goods from eight European nations starting in February, citing their opposition to American efforts to gain control of Greenland.

Trump said in a post on his social media platform that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the levy, which he warned could rise to 25 per cent from 1 June if a deal is not reached for what he described as “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.

The move marked a potentially dangerous escalation in tensions between the US and its NATO allies, further straining an alliance that has provided collective security to Europe and North America since 1949.

Trump has repeatedly sought to use trade penalties to influence allies and rivals alike, sometimes prompting concessions and at other times drawing pushback from countries including China, Brazil, and India. It remains unclear whether the tariffs could be legally imposed under US law, although the president could cite economic emergency powers currently under challenge in the Supreme Court.

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In his post, Trump said the tariffs were in retaliation for recent visits to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland and for opposition to his bid to purchase the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. He has emphasised Greenland’s strategic importance for the “Golden Dome” missile defence system and warned that Russia and China might seek to take control of the island.

Resistance in Europe to Trump’s ambitions has grown steadily, even as some countries accepted his 15 per cent tariffs last year to maintain economic and security ties with Washington.
ALSO READ | Greenland’s natural resources explained: Why the island holds vast minerals, oil and rare earthsMeanwhile, in Greenland, hundreds of people marched through Nuuk’s capital on Saturday in near-freezing conditions to support self-governance. Protesters waved red-and-white national flags, listened to traditional songs, and carried placards reading “We shape our future,” “Greenland is not for sale,” and “Greenland is already GREAT.” Similar rallies were held across the Danish kingdom.

A bipartisan US congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland, with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) saying: “I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people. The US has respect for Denmark and NATO for all we've done together.”

(AP)