Washington, June 26 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on imports from any country that introduces a Digital Services Tax on American companies, warning that such duties would override existing trade agreements and take effect immediately.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said several European countries were discussing the imminent implementation of Digital Services Taxes targeting American technology firms and that some were close to moving ahead.
“Numerous European Countries have been discussing the imminent implementation of a Digital Services Tax on American Companies. Some of these Countries are close to actually doing this,” he added.
He warned that any country proceeding with such a tax would face sweeping trade retaliation from the United States.
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100 per cent TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump said.
He added that the proposed tariff would override any trade agreement with the affected country.
“This TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not,” he said.
He added that the measure would take effect without delay.
“Additionally, the 100 per cent TARIFF will be immediately imposed, if they proceed. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said.
The statement did not identify the countries under consideration or specify which Digital Services Tax proposals had prompted the warning. It also did not announce any formal trade investigation or legal action.
The warning reflects Trump’s opposition to unilateral digital taxes.
Washington says such taxes unfairly target large American technology companies.
Several European countries already impose them. Others have discussed similar measures. Brazil and Turkey have also moved on to digital taxation.
Trump’s remarks show that digital taxes remain a trade flashpoint for the United States.
A 100 per cent tariff would be one of Washington’s strongest retaliatory steps against countries using such taxes.
The United States has for years said that unilateral Digital Services Taxes unfairly discriminate against American technology companies.
Previous US administrations initiated investigations into such taxes in several jurisdictions, including India, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and others, saying that they placed an unfair burden on US-based firms.
–IANS
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