US Tariff Threats Spark Concerns Over Stilton Cheese Exports and NATO Relations
Published 20 January 2026
Highlights
- US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on eight countries, including the UK, potentially impacting Stilton cheese exports.
- Long Clawson Dairy in Leicestershire fears a 25% tariff could devastate its £10m annual US sales.
- US lawmakers, led by Democrats, are seeking to block Trump's tariffs, citing potential harm to NATO allies.
- A bipartisan delegation visited Denmark and Greenland to reassure allies amid escalating tensions.
- The proposed tariffs are linked to Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland, a move opposed by Denmark and Greenland.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: US Tariff Threats Spark Concerns Over Stilton Cheese Exports and NATO Relations
In a move that has sent ripples through international trade circles, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on eight countries, including the UK, in response to opposition against his proposed acquisition of Greenland. The tariffs, starting at 10% and potentially rising to 25% by June, could severely impact British exports, notably Stilton cheese.
Impact on Stilton Cheese Exports
Long Clawson Dairy, a prominent Stilton cheese producer based in Leicestershire, has expressed grave concerns over the potential tariffs. Managing Director Bill Mathieson warned that the additional tariffs could "wipe out" their US business, which accounts for approximately £10 million in annual sales. "If Mr. Trump goes nuclear with us, our business is dead in the US," Mathieson stated, highlighting the longstanding positive reception of their products in the American market.
Bipartisan Efforts to Block Tariffs
In the US, lawmakers from both parties are mobilizing to counter Trump's tariff threats. Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat, announced plans to introduce a resolution under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to block the tariffs. However, the resolution would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override a potential presidential veto.
Reassuring NATO Allies
Amidst the escalating tensions, a bipartisan congressional delegation, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, visited Denmark and Greenland to reassure allies of US support. The delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining strong NATO alliances, with Coons stating, "Greenland is a part of Denmark. Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion."
Greenland Purchase Controversy
The tariff threats are closely tied to Trump's controversial interest in purchasing Greenland, a move that has been met with firm opposition from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that such a takeover could spell the end of NATO, while Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed these concerns.
-
Scenario Analysis
The unfolding situation presents significant challenges for international trade and diplomatic relations. If the tariffs are implemented, UK exporters like Long Clawson Dairy may need to explore alternative markets or absorb financial losses. Politically, the tariffs could strain US relations with NATO allies, potentially weakening the alliance. The bipartisan efforts to block the tariffs highlight a rare moment of unity in US politics, but achieving the necessary majority to override a presidential veto remains uncertain. As the situation develops, the global community will be closely watching for any shifts in US trade policy and its broader geopolitical implications.
In a move that has sent ripples through international trade circles, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on eight countries, including the UK, in response to opposition against his proposed acquisition of Greenland. The tariffs, starting at 10% and potentially rising to 25% by June, could severely impact British exports, notably Stilton cheese.
Impact on Stilton Cheese Exports
Long Clawson Dairy, a prominent Stilton cheese producer based in Leicestershire, has expressed grave concerns over the potential tariffs. Managing Director Bill Mathieson warned that the additional tariffs could "wipe out" their US business, which accounts for approximately £10 million in annual sales. "If Mr. Trump goes nuclear with us, our business is dead in the US," Mathieson stated, highlighting the longstanding positive reception of their products in the American market.
Bipartisan Efforts to Block Tariffs
In the US, lawmakers from both parties are mobilizing to counter Trump's tariff threats. Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat, announced plans to introduce a resolution under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to block the tariffs. However, the resolution would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override a potential presidential veto.
Reassuring NATO Allies
Amidst the escalating tensions, a bipartisan congressional delegation, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, visited Denmark and Greenland to reassure allies of US support. The delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining strong NATO alliances, with Coons stating, "Greenland is a part of Denmark. Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion."
Greenland Purchase Controversy
The tariff threats are closely tied to Trump's controversial interest in purchasing Greenland, a move that has been met with firm opposition from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that such a takeover could spell the end of NATO, while Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed these concerns.
What this might mean
The unfolding situation presents significant challenges for international trade and diplomatic relations. If the tariffs are implemented, UK exporters like Long Clawson Dairy may need to explore alternative markets or absorb financial losses. Politically, the tariffs could strain US relations with NATO allies, potentially weakening the alliance. The bipartisan efforts to block the tariffs highlight a rare moment of unity in US politics, but achieving the necessary majority to override a presidential veto remains uncertain. As the situation develops, the global community will be closely watching for any shifts in US trade policy and its broader geopolitical implications.
