U.S. tariffs are ‘troubling’ for Dutch technology exports

The Dutch technology sector is on alert after the United States announced tariffs on the Netherlands and seven other European countries. Theo Henrar, chairman of FME, the industry association, called the news “troubling” for Dutch exporters.

“The United States is one of the most important export destinations for the Dutch technology industry,” Henrar said. "The practical application of these tariffs remains unclear, prompting FME to closely monitor the developments." FME represents companies generating 139 billion euros in revenue, of which 59 billion euros come from exports.

Trump has said the tariffs are intended to pressure the Netherlands and seven other countries to recognize U.S. authority over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Greenland’s government has said it would rather not become part of the United States.

The tariffs will also affect Denmark, which has refused to “give” Greenland to the United States, as well as Sweden, Germany, France, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. These countries recently announced plans to send troops to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission, which the U.S. cited in its decision.

Caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel said the Dutch cabinet is “in close contact” with the European Commission to coordinate a response. If Greenland remains under U.S. control, Trump has threatened to raise the tariff to 25 percent in June.