Donald Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight NATO countries starting February 1, 2026. He warned duties would rise to 25% by June unless an agreement is reached.
The measures target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. Trump said they respond to allied troop deployments in Greenland and aim to secure Arctic minerals.
Keir Starmer said “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong.” Emmanuel Macron said “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed.”
Trump also threatened BRICS countries with an additional 10% tariff for “Anti-American policies” and 100% duties if they create alternative currencies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said “China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among allies.”
U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis said “Continuing down this path is bad for America, bad for American businesses and bad for America’s allies. This kind of rhetoric also further helps adversaries like Putin and Xi who want to see NATO divided.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva replied “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
Observers say the tariff move is an unprecedented escalation against Western partners. Experts warn the measures could strengthen the BRICS economic strategy and compromise Arctic mineral security.
