U.S. Announces Additional Tariffs on European Countries Amid Greenland Dispute.

Summary of the Announcement

On January 17, 2026, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose new import tariffs on several European nations in response to their opposition to the U.S. acquisition of Greenland. The tariffs would begin at 10% on February 1, escalating to 25% on June 1, unless an agreement is reached supporting the U.S. position. The targeted countries include: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.

Status Update (Important Disclaimer)

At this time, no official Executive Order, Federal Register notice, or CBP implementation guidance has been issued to formally enact these tariffs. All information currently available is based on public statements and verified media reporting. Crane Worldwide Trade Consulting will continue to monitor all official channels in real time—including the White House, USTR, Treasury/OFAC, and CBP—and will notify clients immediately once a formal directive or enforceable policy is published.

Context Behind the Tariff Threat

The dispute arises from U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland, a territory of strategic value in the Arctic. European leaders have forcefully rejected this approach, triggering the U.S. tariff threat. EU officials and NATO partners warned that the move could undermine transatlantic stability and cohesion.

EU & NATO Reaction

• The EU has convened an emergency summit to establish a coordinated response and reaffirm support for Greenland’s sovereignty.
• European leaders, including France, Germany, and the UK, have condemned tariff threats against allies and signaled that the EU may deploy anti-coercion instruments.
• A joint statement from the eight affected nations reaffirmed their commitment to Arctic security under NATO and rejected tariff-based pressure.
• EU officials have also stated they would respond “proportionately” to any implemented U.S. tariffs.

Legal questions remain regarding the use of IEEPA for imposing tariffs, with a related Supreme Court case already heard in late 2025.

Impact Assessment for Importers & Supply Chains

Cost and Operational Disruptions

If enacted, tariffs would apply to all goods from the named countries. Importers should expect significant cost impacts across:

• Machinery, industrial goods
• Automotive components
• Pharmaceuticals
• Metals and chemical inputs.
• High‑volume EU consumer products

Compliance Review Needs

Clients should immediately:

• Review HTS classifications and valuation accuracy to reduce audit risk during rapid tariff changes.
• Reassess sourcing models using diversification strategies and procurement redesign methodologies already used successfully in prior tariff cycles.
• Model landed‑cost changes across all SKUs tied to the eight nations.
• Monitor EU retaliatory measures that may affect U.S. exporters.

How Trade Consulting & Customs Brokerage Can Support You

To help you navigate the uncertainty surrounding the proposed tariffs and prepare for rapid implementation if formalized, Crane Worldwide’s Trade Consulting and Customs Brokerage teams offer comprehensive, client‑ready support:

Trade Consulting Services

1. Tariff Impact Modeling & Strategic Guidance
   • Conduct detailed tariff exposure assessments across your product portfolio.
   • Model landed cost changes at 10% and 25% scenarios.
2. Trade Compliance Readiness
   • Review HTS classifications, valuation methodology, and origin documentation to reduce audit risk.
   • Advise on tariff engineering opportunities where legally viable.
   • Assist in designing internal SOPs for tariff‑related decision‑making and documentation.

Customs Brokerage Services

1. Import Execution & Real‑Time Compliance
   • Ensure compliant entry filing should tariffs be activated with little notice.
   • Facilitate proper duty accounting, PGA requirements, and entry corrections under new tariff codes.
   • Maintain continuous communication with CBP to interpret new guidance once released.
2. Regulatory Monitoring & Client Alerts
   • Deliver immediate client alerts once an official order or CBP instruction is published.
   • Provide guidance on operational adjustments required within hours of issuance.
   • Maintain a dedicated watch on IEEPA actions, CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) notices, and Federal Register updates.

If your organization could be impacted by these potential tariff measures, our Tariff Response Unit is ready to support you. Get immediate guidance on tariff modeling, compliance preparation, and fast‑moving regulatory developments.