Trump had initially threatened on January 17 to implement a 10% tariff starting February 1, 2026, which would have risen to 25% by June if those nations did not support his purchase of Greenland. While the tariff threat was withdrawn, he reaffirmed his ambition to secure "right, title, and ownership" of the territory but ruled out the use of military force.
Gold is surging toward $5,000 per ounce as global risk appetite weakens and safe-haven demand explodes — UBS analysts now forecast gold could touch $5,000 by March 2026 amid central-bank buying and geopolitical pressures. Silver also continues its historic run. Combine these macro drivers with Binance’s 24/7 USDT-settled gold & silver perpetuals for round-the-clock exposure to precious metals. Trade smarter, hedge risk
In January 2026, the global financial landscape has been shaken by President Trump’s announcement of a new tariff regime targeting the European Union. This move—tied to a geopolitical standoff over Greenland—has sent ripples through both traditional finance and the cryptocurrency markets. For Binance users and crypto traders, understanding the "why" and the "how" of this volatility is essential for navigating the weeks ahead.
The Macro Catalyst:
Why Tariffs, Why Now? The current tension stems from a U.S. demand regarding the acquisition of Greenland. Following resistance from European nations, the U.S. administration announced a phased tariff plan: Initial Phase (Feb 1, 2026): A 10% blanket tariff on goods from eight key nations: Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Escalation Phase (June 2026): Threats to increase these levies to 25% if negotiations remain stalled.
The Market Reaction The announcement triggered a classic "Risk-Off" environment. While European stocks (DAX, CAC 40) saw immediate declines, the crypto market acted as a high-sensitivity barometer for global fear