France’s economy minister, Annie Genevard, has warned that any move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose punitive tariffs on European countries would backfire on the United States, harming American farmers and manufacturers as much as their European counterparts. Her remarks come amid escalating tensions over Greenland and Washington’s threat to use trade measures as leverage.
Trump announced that the United States would impose a 10 percent tariff from February 1 on imports from eight European countries that opposed his plans and sent military reinforcements to Greenland at Denmark’s request. He said the rate could rise to 25 percent from June if the issue of Greenland’s status remains unresolved. The affected countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
Genevard argued that tariffs would increase costs along supply chains, undermine competitiveness and invite retaliation. U.S. agriculture and industry, she said, would be particularly exposed to countermeasures. In her view, an escalating trade conflict would weaken transatlantic economic ties that underpin growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
European leaders responded swiftly. French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff threats unacceptable, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described them as “entirely misguided.” The European Union has signaled it is prepared to respond firmly, with European Council President António Costa pledging a unified reaction if the measures are implemented.
The dispute carries significant geopolitical implications. Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is essential to U.S. national security because of its strategic Arctic location. European allies counter that Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Danish realm and that its future cannot be dictated through economic pressure.
Analysts warn that tying security disputes to trade policy risks eroding trust among allies, particularly within NATO. An escalation could damage cooperation at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Genevard’s warning reflects a broader European concern that tariffs would create a lose-lose scenario, weakening economies and alliances alike.