In a new escalation of transatlantic economic tensions, the French government issued a strongly worded warning to the United States, asserting that any punitive measures taken by US President Donald Trump against European countries would ultimately harm the American economy itself. This came in the wake of recent threats to impose tariffs on countries that oppose Washington's ambitions to acquire Greenland.
Strong French warnings
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard revealed in a press statement to Europe 1 and CNews that the United States would not be immune to losses if Trump decided to follow through on his threat. Genevard stated clearly: "If Trump decides to escalate the trade war, he too will have much to lose, and the damage will not be limited to the European side; it will directly affect American farmers and manufacturers.".
The minister pointed out that the European Union possesses a "potential trade deterrent" that enables it to protect its interests, while stressing the need to deal with any reaction cautiously and wisely to avoid slipping into a spiral of reciprocal retaliatory measures.
Background to the crisis and the ambitions of the Arctic
The United States' desire to purchase Greenland is not a recent development. During his first presidential term in 2019, Trump expressed interest in buying the Danish-ruled island, a move that was met with firm rejection from Copenhagen and the Greenlandic government. The island's strategic importance is growing due to its vital location in the Arctic and its vast natural resources and rare minerals essential for modern technology industries, making it a target for major powers amidst escalating international competition.
Jennifer emphasized that the idea of an American takeover of Greenland is “completely unacceptable,” adding firmly that “Europeans will not allow the United States to do as it pleases or impose its will on the sovereignty of nations.”.
Details of the American threats
US President Donald Trump had threatened to use tariffs to pressure countries that rejected his plan, threatening to impose a 10% tariff starting February 1, 2026. This list includes countries traditionally allied with the United States: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. It is worth noting that all of these countries are members of the European Union, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Norway.
The threat did not stop there. Trump explained that these tariffs are likely to increase to 25% by June 1st unless an agreement is reached for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland, justifying his insistence on this step with the necessities of “American national security.”.
Economic repercussions and diplomatic moves
The French agriculture minister described this potential escalation as "potentially devastating," not only for Europe but also "for the United States itself." Economists warn that a full-blown trade war between the world's two largest economies could slow global growth, drive up consumer prices, and disrupt supply chains that are still recovering from previous crises.
As part of diplomatic efforts to address this crisis, the European Union convened an emergency meeting of member state ambassadors in Brussels. The meeting aimed to discuss the rapidly evolving situation and coordinate a unified European response to the American threats, reflecting the seriousness of European concerns that the political dispute could escalate into open economic conflict.
