United States President Donald Trump has announced a fresh 10 per cent tariff on goods imported from eight European countries, escalating tensions over his administration’s bid to take control of Greenland.

The affected nations – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain – were already grappling with earlier tariffs imposed by Washington in 2025.

Trump said the new duty would cover “all or any goods” from the countries beginning February 1, warning that the rate would rise to 25 per cent by June 1 if no agreement is reached on the purchase of Greenland.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the American leader insisted the measures would remain in force until “a complete and total deal” on Greenland was secured.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) described the move as another example of Trump’s use of tariffs as a diplomatic weapon, a strategy critics say undermines global trade relations.

The US President recently imposed a 25 per cent levy on nations trading with Iran to pressure Tehran over internal unrest. He has also claimed that tariff threats forced India and Pakistan back to dialogue and influenced political developments in Brazil and Canada.

Reacting, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, faulted Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of relations with Washington.

“Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and NATO allies for doing the right thing. The Prime Minister must stand firm against this bullying and work with European and Commonwealth partners to resist this reckless plan,” Davey wrote on X.

He earlier condemned Trump’s insistence on acquiring Greenland “whether they like it or not,” describing the stance as unhinged and dangerous.

Why Trump wants Greenland

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to America’s national security and has not ruled out military action to secure the Arctic island.

While the idea of purchasing the territory has been floated, he said the US would take control “the easy way or the hard way.”

Greenland’s leaders and Denmark, which oversees the semi-autonomous territory, have rejected the proposal.

Security analysts note that Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic makes it strategic for missile early-warning systems and maritime surveillance.

Trump, however, maintains that if Washington does not act, rival powers such as Russia or China could move to dominate the territory.