President-elect Donald Trump has escalated his ongoing fixation with Greenland, threatening to “tariff Denmark at a very high level” as retaliation for the country’s refusal to cede the autonomous territory to the United States. The potential tariffs could have wide-ranging effects on goods Americans rely on, reported The New York Times on Wednesday.
“Denmark, which has a smaller population than New York City, is not a huge trading partner for the United States,” wrote Ana Swanson and Jenny Gross. In 2023, Denmark exported over $11 billion worth of goods to the U.S.—a small fraction of America’s $3 trillion in total imports. By contrast, the U.S. exported $5 billion in goods to Denmark, including industrial and scientific equipment, aircraft, and computers.
Despite Denmark’s relatively small trade footprint, it produces several goods cherished in the U.S. that could become more expensive under Trump’s proposed tariffs. One such product is LEGO, the iconic Danish toy that has delighted children and collectors for generations. The name LEGO originates from a Danish phrase meaning “play well.”
Another major Danish export is pharmaceutical products, including Ozempic and Wegovy, two widely popular weight-loss medications produced by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk. These drugs have seen a surge in demand in the U.S.
“Denmark is also the leading supplier to the United States of hearing aids,” the report highlighted. In addition to medical instruments, Denmark also supplies fish fillets, pig meat, coal tar oil, petroleum, and baked goods to the U.S.
Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to his first presidential term, continuing a centuries-old idea floated by American policymakers. Greenland is rich in natural resources and holds strategic military value. However, Denmark has repeatedly rejected any notion of selling the territory.
Treaties between Denmark and the U.S., along with their shared NATO membership, already grant America the military access it needs to Greenland. Trump’s threat to impose tariffs underscores his ongoing frustration with Denmark’s refusal and reflects his broader approach to trade negotiations.
While the likelihood of acquiring Greenland remains slim, the proposed tariffs could impact American consumers by increasing prices on Danish goods, from toys to pharmaceuticals. For now, Denmark has held firm in its stance, emphasizing Greenland’s autonomy and its integral role within the Kingdom of Denmark.