Dutch Arctic Mission returns amid fears U.S. tariffs could hit manufacturers
Two Dutch military personnel who took part in a European reconnaissance mission in Greenland are returning to the Netherlands on Monday, as exporters warn that U.S. tariffs and threats tied to European involvement in Greenland could hit Dutch manufacturers.
The navy logistics planner and staff officer explored the possibilities for an exercise by European allies of Denmark, which Greenland is part of. Their work will continue from the Netherlands after their return, Defense said.
The ministry confirmed that the two servicemen's expedition proceeded as planned. The Netherlands had initially planned to send only a staff officer but later added a logistics expert. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Slovenia, and Denmark also participated.
The European reconnaissance teams are preparing a joint exercise in Greenland and the Arctic under Danish leadership. NATO is meanwhile considering “a possible next step,” a “larger deployment within the NATO framework (Arctic Sentry),” Defense said. Caretaker Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (VVD) previously said the Netherlands is receptive to such a mission.
While the Netherlands participates in Arctic security operations, U.S. tariffs—described by Van Weel as “blackmail” intended to push Europe out of the region—have raised concern among Dutch manufacturers, who fear the measures could hit sectors such as machinery, chemicals, and steel. “This is very damaging for our companies,” said a spokesperson for Evofenedex, the trade association representing about 10,000 exporters.
President Trump has announced a 10 percent import tariff starting February 1, potentially rising to 25 percent by June 1. Exporters warn the tariffs could hit Dutch manufacturers even though cargo throughput to and from the U.S. through the Port of Rotterdam rose 9.1 percent in the first half of 2025 despite existing duties. Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons said in late July that at least six more months will be needed to assess the full impact, leaving the future effect on exports uncertain.
The United States was the Netherlands’ second-largest export destination after the European Union in 2024, with exports valued at 38.4 billion euros. Machinery accounted for one-third of those exports, led by ASML, whose most advanced chipmaking machines have no alternative suppliers for U.S. customers. Philips, chemical producers, and steelmaker Tata Steel Nederland are also closely monitoring developments.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly vulnerable. An October report by credit insurer Allianz Trade found that regions such as Limburg, Noord-Brabant, and Noord-Holland are likely to be hardest hit. “Large multinationals can absorb a demand drop of 20 percent,” said Johan Geeroms, Benelux risk director at Allianz Trade. “But small and medium-sized businesses often cannot, so they lower prices to maintain market share. That comes at the expense of their margins.”
The Greenland mission has coincided with political commentary in the Netherlands over U.S. trade threats. Dutch leaders have criticized Washington’s stance, with Rob Jetten of D66 calling certain U.S. measures “unacceptable” and Henri Bontenbal of the CDA describing them as “ridiculous.” Both welcomed the announcement that the European Union is preparing countermeasures.
Jetten said the EU must “firmly show” that trade tariffs are unwise and draw a clear line so that the United States returns to normal trade practices. Bontenbal advocated “sensible diplomacy” but said strong economic countermeasures should be ready if Washington does not moderate its stance.
