Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on European Nations Over Digital Services Tax
US President Donald Trump spoke during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on June 22, 2026, in Washington, DC.
President Trump has pledged to impose a 100% import tariff on any European country that implements a digital services tax targeting American technology companies.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that "Numerous European countries" have been considering introducing such a tax, with some nearing implementation.
He warned that these punitive tariffs would be applied immediately and would fully "supersede" any existing bilateral trade agreements.
Although the statement targets countries planning the "imminent implementation" of new digital levies, the specific consequences for the United Kingdom remain unclear, as the UK has maintained such a tax since 2020.
"Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America," he wrote.
Britain's 2% Digital Services Tax (DST) applies to major search engines, social media platforms, and online marketplaces with global digital business revenues exceeding £500 million and UK revenues over £25 million.
This tax affects some of the largest US companies, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon. It generated over £800 million in revenue for 2024–25, up from £678 million in 2023–24, according to the Treasury.
In April, Trump indicated that the UK faced "a big tariff" for allegedly targeting major US companies with this tax.
"They think they're going to make an easy buck, that's why they've all taken advantage of our country," Trump said at the time.
The Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury have been contacted for comment.
Trump's threat of retaliation against European nations considering new or revised digital services taxes comes just days after the US and EU finalized a new trade agreement.
Michael Damianos, minister of energy, commerce and industry of the Republic of Cyprus, stated at the time that "the EU can respond swiftly and proportionately when the deal is not respected or its interests are at stake."
France, Italy, and Spain also impose a 3% digital services tax on large companies operating within their borders. Several other EU countries have implemented or proposed similar taxes, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on tax policy.
Earlier this year, Amazon increased fees for sellers, citing such taxes.
Since resuming the presidency in 2025, Trump has sought to impose substantial tariffs on numerous countries.
In February, the US Supreme Court struck down Trump's previous attempt to impose a global 10% tariff.
Nonetheless, the US recently announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on dozens of countries responsible for nearly all US imports, citing concerns that these countries are not adequately addressing forced labour.
