Greenland battle: “The announcement of new US tariffs is grotesque” – German enterprise horrified by Trump’s tariff menace | EUROtoday

There is sharp criticism from the German financial system about US President Donald Trump’s new tariff threats. “The announcement of new US tariffs for certain European countries is grotesque,” ​​mentioned the President of the BGA overseas commerce affiliation, Dirk Jandura.

“The USA is punishing participants in a NATO mission here, which is actually unimaginable. This is a new low in American-European trade relations.” We proceed to face by Denmark, democracy and freedom can’t be wiped away with punitive tariffs. “If we allow tariffs to become a political weapon, everyone loses in the end.” The EU can now present its power, Jandura instructed the Reuters information company: “We need a common answer to this and must not allow individual states to become playthings of US interests.”

The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) additionally reacted with dismay. “The announcements of possible new punitive tariffs by the US President are a renewed and serious burden on transatlantic relations,” mentioned VDA President Hildegard Müller. “The costs of these additional tariffs would be enormous for German and European industry – in already challenging times.” What is now essential is a brilliant, strategic response from Brussels that’s coordinated with the affected nations. Quick pictures led to escalation and a potential spiral that solely produced losers. “There is no doubt that the United States must accept Greenland’s free will,” Müller added.

In the dispute over Greenland, Trump introduced larger tariffs towards Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland. The tariffs would initially be ten p.c from February 1st, Trump wrote on his quick message service Truth Social. From June 1st, they are going to rise to 25 p.c if no settlement is reached on a US buy of the Danish Arctic island. Trump has repeatedly said that resource-rich Greenland should grow to be the property of the United States for nationwide safety causes. He additionally hasn’t dominated out army motion.

The USA is by far crucial export buyer for items “Made in Germany”. Since August 2025, a surcharge of 15 p.c has utilized to most items from the EU – a a number of of the earlier worth.