US imposes 15 percent tariff on Norwegian goods
In a move with major global implications, US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that the United States would impose tariffs on a number of foreign countries.
He also confirmed that he will implement a 15 percent tariff on goods from Norway.
"This is serious for the global economy, and it is critical for Norway," Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth said in a statement to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK).
However, Myrseth noted that some goods are exempt from the tariffs.
"Both on things that have been previously reported, but also, for example, on some minerals and energy," she told NRK on Thursday morning.
READ MORE: Norway’s finance minister issues tariff warning
PM Støre urges caution after US tariff decision
Following the US announcement of a 15 percent tariff on Norwegian goods, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called for a measured response.
"There will be an opening for negotiations. The major players will likely take the lead, and we're awaiting the EU's reaction," Støre said.
He emphasised that countermeasures are not necessarily the best option.
"Norway is not in a position to pressure the US, but we must act wisely and work closely with our European partners," he added.
Norwegian business leaders warn of fallout from tariff war
US President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs has sparked concern across key Norwegian industries.
Knut Arild Hareide, director of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, said the move could dampen global growth and reduce maritime transport.
"That will naturally affect a major maritime power like Norway," he warned.
Bernt G. Apeland, the head of the Enterprise Federation of Norway (Virke), called the tariffs "bad news for world trade and for Norway," stressing the ripple effects on international supply chains and Norwegian businesses.
"Norway exports and imports a lot, and Norwegian businesses have value chains in several countries. This is how Norwegian business will be affected. It is serious," Apeland told NRK.
The director of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), Ole Erik Almlid, echoed these concerns, calling the tariffs "massive" and warning of serious consequences for both global trade and Norway's open, export-driven economy.
"Norwegian companies that export directly to the US will be affected by the announced 15 percent tariff increase on Norwegian goods.
Furthermore, a number of Norwegian companies that supply raw materials and parts to European production that is then exported to the US will be affected by the tariff increase to the EU," he said.
Postnord cuts 150 jobs in major restructuring
Logistics and postal company Postnord is cutting 150 jobs in Norway as part of a significant restructuring plan affecting a total of 450 employees.
Around 300 more will be impacted by the sale or closure of business areas, the newspaper Logistikk Inside and Vårt Oslo reported.
The company is narrowing its focus to core parcel and logistics services, discontinuing operations like Express & Courier.
Postnord, a merger of the former Danish and Swedish postal services, employs about 1,500 people in Norway.
The move follows last month's announcement of 1,500 layoffs in Denmark.
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