digital service taxes

The European Commission responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of new tariffs on EU tech regulations, as EU and U.S. officials began talks to address strained digital trade relations. The EU emphasized its right to regulate economic activities within its territory and outlined plans to reduce reliance on U.S. technology, while the U.S. criticized EU initiatives as protectionist.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened 100 percent tariffs on European countries imposing digital service taxes on American corporations, warning the tariffs would override existing trade deals. The threat comes amid EU efforts to reduce tariffs on U.S. goods in exchange for capped U.S. tariffs on EU products.

Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire with a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, while also threatening 100% tariffs on nations taxing U.S. digital services. A man was charged in connection with a planned attack on Trump’s UFC event at the White House, and Trump criticized communism in a social media post.