Starmer Rules Out Retaliatory Tariffs Amid US Greenland Dispute

Recent statements from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the UK’s position on potential trade tensions with the United States, following threats of new tariffs linked to the Greenland dispute. The UK government outlined its approach during a Downing Street press conference on 19 January 2026.

Starmer stated that pursuing a trade war is not an appropriate method for resolving disagreements within alliances. He confirmed that the UK would not introduce retaliatory tariffs in response to the US administration’s proposed measures.

President Trump announced plans to implement a 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations, including the UK, beginning in February 2026. The tariffs are set to increase to 25% in June if no agreement is reached regarding Greenland.

The UK government’s position, as outlined by Starmer, is to seek a constructive and sustained solution to the dispute. He said the UK would work with both European partners and President Trump to avoid outcomes that could have negative effects for the country.

What the numbers show

• Trump proposed a 10% tariff starting February 2026
• The tariff would increase to 25% from June 2026 if no deal is reached
• Eight European countries, including the UK, are affected by the proposed tariffs

Starmer emphasized the strength of the UK’s relationship with the United States, highlighting cooperation in areas such as defence, security, intelligence, and nuclear capability. According to his statement, the UK continues to regard the US as a close ally in these sectors.

The dispute over Greenland has led to heightened diplomatic discussions between the US and several European countries. The UK government has indicated its intention to engage in dialogue with both European allies and the US administration to address the issue.

Starmer’s approach, as stated during the press conference, is to prioritize diplomatic engagement over trade escalation. He said the UK would focus on finding a pragmatic and sensible resolution to the situation.

There have been no official announcements of new trade measures or tariffs from the UK in response to the US proposals. The government’s current stance is to avoid actions that could escalate the situation further.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.