Trump Threatens New Tech Tariffs

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs against countries taxing American tech giants. In a sharp post on Truth Social, he demands respect for American technology.

Trump attacks countries implementing digital taxes and regulations targeting American tech companies. In his post on Truth Social, he warns of extensive tariffs and export restrictions if these "discriminatory" measures are not removed.

"I will stand up against countries attacking our incredible American tech companies," Trump writes, specifically criticizing digital taxes, legislation, and regulations he claims disadvantage American firms, while China's largest tech companies get a "free pass."

Growing Debate on Tech Giants

Trump asserts that the U.S. and its tech companies should no longer be the "world's piggy bank or doormat." He demands respect for American technology and threatens "significant additional tariffs" on exports to the U.S. and export restrictions for American technology.

There is a growing global debate on how tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta should be taxed and regulated. Several European countries have introduced or plan digital taxes to make tech companies pay more taxes where they operate. The EU has also pushed through comprehensive legislative packages, such as the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, to increase control over the tech sector.

The U.S. has long opposed these measures, arguing they target American companies.

Trump's warning comes a week after the U.S. and EU issued a joint statement agreeing to "address unjustified trade barriers" together, reports TT.

Threat to China: "Must Export"

During a press conference at the White House yesterday, the American president also threatened high tariffs against China if the country does not export rare earth metals to the U.S., reports TT.

"They must give us magnets. If they don't, we must impose tariffs of 200 percent or something. But I don't think we'll have such problems," he said.