Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has strongly criticized a recent proposal from the United States to impose a 30 percent tariff on European Union goods. Rasmussen labeled the move as shortsighted and harmful to both American and European economies, while also stating that the EU is ready to respond with countermeasures if necessary.
Denmark Aligns with EU in Opposition to US Tariff Threats
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated this week that the Danish government firmly opposes a planned 30 percent import tariff the United States may impose on goods from the European Union. The tariff threat came in a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, which has caused widespread concern across Europe.
The proposed tariff, announced in early July, is expected to be a major topic of discussion when EU trade ministers, including Rasmussen, meet Monday in Brussels. According to Rasmussen, such a tariff would not only be unjustified but would also negatively impact American businesses and consumers by increasing costs and disrupting transatlantic trade ties.
The 30 percent tariff could affect goods worth more than $100 billion in annual transatlantic trade, significantly destabilizing economic relations between two of the world’s largest trading blocs.
EU Prepares a United Response
Rasmussen made it clear that Denmark will support a coordinated EU response to the U.S. action. He emphasized that if the United States enacts the proposed tariffs, the European Union is prepared to defend its interests with what he described as “robust countermeasures.”
This position aligns with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who also warned that such unilateral U.S. tariffs would harm economic stability on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Based on current EU figures, the United States is the European Union’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 15 percent of total EU trade. Any disruption to this flow would have significant and immediate consequences for industries across Europe — and the proposed 30 percent tariff would be one of the most severe hikes in recent history.
Diplomatic Channels Still Open
Despite the tension, Rasmussen stressed that Europe remains committed to resolving the dispute through diplomatic means. He called for continued dialogue with U.S. officials and urged that negotiation channels remain open to protect long-term interests on both sides.
The Danish government is pushing for talks to defuse the escalating dispute and to avoid what could become a major transatlantic trade war.
Reactions from Nordic Partners
Denmark is not alone in voicing its opposition. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has also issued a statement expressing regret over the U.S. announcement. Like Rasmussen, he expressed a willingness to negotiate an alternative to the tariffs but stressed that the EU must be prepared to act if talks fail.
Similar sentiments are being echoed across the EU, suggesting a united front is forming against Washington’s proposal. EU officials have hinted at possible retaliatory tariffs on iconic American exports such as bourbon whiskey, motorcycles, and agricultural goods, reminiscent of trade disputes during Trump’s first term as president.
Economic Consequences on Both Sides
Analysts warn that if enacted, the tariffs would damage industries that rely heavily on U.S.-EU supply chains. Danish exports to the United States reached approximately 110 billion DKK (around $16 billion) in 2023, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, and renewable energy technology most exposed.
A prolonged trade conflict could also affect job security across Denmark and the broader EU. In Denmark alone, about 70,000 jobs depend on exports to the United States, according to data from DI, the Confederation of Danish Industry.
Looking Ahead
The EU trade ministers’ meeting in Brussels next week will be crucial in shaping the bloc’s approach to the situation. Denmark aims to play an active role in formulating a collective response while advocating for diplomatic solutions wherever possible.
While the situation remains fluid, Rasmussen’s comments indicate that Denmark stands with its European partners in resisting what it views as an unfair and ill-conceived economic threat—and that it’s ready to defend its national and shared European interests if the conflict escalates.
