Norway avoids trade war with Trump over Greenland crisis
In a move aimed at containing escalating transatlantic tensions, Norway, one of eight European countries threatened with punitive tariffs by US President Donald Trump, announced that it does not currently intend to take immediate retaliatory measures against US imports. This stance comes amid an unprecedented diplomatic and economic crisis triggered by the US president's insistence on purchasing the Danish island of Greenland.
Norway's position: The wisdom to avoid economic devastation
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in remarks to state television, stressed the need for restraint and reason. Støre said, "I believe we should think carefully to avoid a trade war that could spiral into a destructive spiral, which is in no one's interest." When asked about the possibility of resorting to countermeasures similar to those that might be taken by EU countries, Støre clarified that this was "not under consideration at the moment," indicating that his country seeks to maintain stable international trade relations.
Details of the American threat and the list of targeted countries
The US president escalated his rhetoric last Saturday, threatening to impose new tariffs on eight European countries that have sent military personnel or missions to Greenland: Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. According to the threat, an additional 10% tariff would take effect on February 1st, with the possibility of it rising to 25% by June 1st if the demand to sell the territory to the United States is not met.
Background to American ambitions in Greenland
Trump's desire to control Greenland is not a recent development. Since his first term, specifically in 2019, he has expressed interest in purchasing the world's largest island, a move that was met with firm rejection from the Danish government, which described the idea as "absurd." Greenland, a self-governing territory under the Danish crown, enjoys a vital strategic location between North America and Europe and is home to Thule Air Base, a cornerstone of the United States' missile early warning system.
Dimensions of the conflict: Resources and national security in the Arctic
The US president justifies his actions on the grounds of “national security,” citing increasing international competition in the Arctic. Washington fears Russian and Chinese expansion in this resource-rich region, particularly rich in rare earth minerals, and its importance as a new shipping route as the ice melts. Observers believe that economic pressure through tariffs is Trump’s tool to force European allies to cede the island, thus ensuring complete US dominance in the Arctic.
European unity
Faced with this pressure, the eight targeted countries issued a joint statement on Sunday, stressing their unity and rejection of economic blackmail, and emphasizing that relations between allies should not be managed through trade threats that harm the economies of all parties.
