Former US President Donald Trump has declared that the United Kingdom will face significant new tariffs on exports to America, a move he directly links to ongoing tensions over the strategic Arctic territory of Greenland.
Escalating Tariffs Announced
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday 17 January 2026, Mr Trump outlined a punitive trade schedule targeting several European nations. He stated that from February 1, 2026, the UK and other listed countries will be charged a 10% tariff "on any and all goods" sent to the United States.
This levy is set to increase sharply to 25% from June 1, 2026. Mr Trump declared that these tariffs will remain in place "until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."
The Greenland Gambit and European 'Interference'
The extraordinary policy announcement stems from Mr Trump's long-standing ambition for the US to acquire Greenland from Denmark. He has repeatedly framed the potential purchase as a national security imperative to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence in the resource-rich region.
In his post, Mr Trump accused European countries, including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, of having "journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown." He described their actions as playing a "very dangerous game" that created an untenable risk.
This follows confirmation from Downing Street on Thursday that one UK military officer had been sent at Denmark's request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise. The UK government denied this constituted a formal "deployment."
Diplomatic Fallout and Security Concerns
The situation has triggered renewed alarm about the stability of the transatlantic alliance. The Trump administration has previously threatened to use force to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
"It is time for Denmark to give back," Mr Trump asserted, adding, "China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it." He stated the US was "immediately open to negotiation" with Denmark or any of the involved nations.
Since the US renewed its public pursuit of Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has intensified discussions on Arctic security. Sir Keir has raised the issue directly in calls with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister, and the NATO secretary-general.
The imposition of tariffs on a key ally like the UK marks a severe escalation in Mr Trump's efforts to pressure European nations into acquiescing to the Greenland purchase, setting the stage for a major diplomatic and trade confrontation in the opening weeks of 2026.
