Norway has expressed strong disapproval of US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to introduce a 12.5% tariff on the majority of Norwegian imports, labeling the action as both unfair and unjustified. This newly implemented tariff, which is already in effect, predominantly impacts key Norwegian export sectors including seafood, furniture, and industrial products.
In response to the US’s claims that Norway has not adequately addressed the issue of imports linked to forced labor, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide firmly denied these allegations. He emphasized that Norwegian legislation strictly bans goods produced using forced or child labor and confirmed that the Norwegian government has formally lodged its objections with US officials.
Norwegian authorities have also raised concerns regarding the disparity in tariff rates, questioning why Norway has been subjected to a higher tariff than the European Union and the United Kingdom, both of which have been assigned a 10% tariff. Despite this, Norway has decided against implementing counter-tariffs, believing that such measures would only serve to increase costs for its consumers.
Although only a small portion of Norway’s exports are directed to the US, there is concern among officials and analysts that the tariffs could negatively impact the country’s seafood exports and pose a threat to the principles of free trade that Norway advocates.