Carney says he is concerned after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland dispute
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the U.S. tariff threats an escalation after President Trump warned eight European countries over opposition to a U.S. bid for Greenland.
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By Torontoer Staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is "concerned" after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries that oppose a U.S. effort to acquire Greenland. Carney described the move as an escalation and affirmed Canada's support for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Trump announced on social media that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10 percent tariff beginning Feb. 1. He added that if a deal for the U.S. to buy Greenland does not materialize by June 1, the rate would rise to 25 percent.
What Trump announced
The tariff threat followed public opposition from the listed European governments to a U.S. proposal to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump framed the tariffs as a response to those governments' actions after discussions about using U.S. military presence during attempts to secure the territory.
- 10 percent tariff on eight European countries starting Feb. 1
- Increase to 25 percent on June 1 if no purchase deal is reached
- Targeted countries have backed Denmark and warned the move could undermine NATO cohesion
Carney's response and Canada's position
Carney told reporters in Doha that Canada is watching the situation closely and that decisions about Greenland belong to Greenland and Denmark. He framed the issue as one of sovereignty and territorial integrity, matters Canada intends to defend through diplomatic and security channels.
It’s a serious situation, and we’re concerned. We’re concerned about this escalation, to be absolutely clear.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney said the security of Greenland falls within NATO's responsibilities and that he had recently discussed strengthening the alliance's Arctic security umbrella with the NATO secretary-general. He indicated Canada is already working on measures to enhance regional security ahead of upcoming international meetings.
Decisions about Greenland are for Greenland and Denmark to decide.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
NATO, allies and diplomatic fallout
Allied governments targeted by the tariff threat have publicly supported Denmark and warned that a unilateral U.S. move against a NATO territory could damage the alliance. The tensions follow reports that several countries repositioned forces in the Arctic after the U.S. suggested a military role in securing Greenland during acquisition talks.
Tariffs between close allies carry both economic and strategic implications. Beyond affecting bilateral trade flows, such measures could complicate cooperation on defence, intelligence sharing and joint operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Timeline and next steps
- Feb. 1: 10 percent tariffs on the eight named European countries are set to take effect.
- June 1: Tariffs would rise to 25 percent if a purchase agreement for Greenland has not been reached.
- Late January: Carney will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is also scheduled to appear. Carney said he will reiterate his concerns there.
When asked what he would say to Trump in Davos, Carney replied he planned to repeat his public remarks. That suggests Canada will press for diplomatic solutions at the upcoming forum while coordinating with NATO partners on Arctic security measures.
What to watch
Watch for responses from the eight European governments, any formal NATO statements, and developments at Davos. Trade ministries may outline contingency plans if tariffs take effect, and foreign ministers could pursue new diplomatic channels to de-escalate the dispute.
For now, Carney framed the matter as a clear question of sovereignty and alliance obligations, and signalled Canada will use diplomatic and security forums to address the escalation.
GreenlandtariffsDonald TrumpMark CarneyNATOArctic
