Trump warns of tariffs and export restrictions over global digital taxes

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Monday against countries implementing digital taxes or regulations that affect American technology firms. Through a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused several foreign governments of discriminating against U.S. tech companies by imposing digital services taxes and restrictive digital market rules, while allowing Chinese tech firms to operate without similar barriers.

Trump declared that nations enforcing such measures would face "substantial additional tariffs" on their exports to the United States as well as export controls on U.S. technology and semiconductor products, unless these policies are reversed.

This development comes amid escalating trade frustrations between the U.S. and regions like Europe and India, both of which have pursued digital tax levies. Trump has consistently argued that these taxes unfairly target major American corporations including Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).

“Respect America and our remarkable Tech Companies, or face consequences,” Trump emphasized in his post.

Adding to tensions, a Reuters article on Tuesday revealed that the Trump administration is contemplating sanctions against European Union officials in response to the EU’s Digital Services Act. Possible measures could involve visa restrictions tied to concerns that the legislation censors U.S. users and places financial burdens on American technology businesses. Officials at the State Department have yet to finalize these plans, and the identities of potential targets remain uncertain.