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    Trump threatens tariffs over foreign digital rules targeting US tech

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    Former President Donald Trump has warned that countries imposing digital taxes or regulations on American technology firms could face new tariffs and export restrictions if he returns to office.

    In a post on Truth Social late Monday, Trump said he would “stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies,” blasting digital taxes and Europe’s sweeping new regulations as discriminatory. He argued that measures such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act were designed to hurt U.S. firms like Google, Apple, and Meta.

    The European Union has defended its stance, saying it is acting within its rights.

    “It is the sovereign rights of the EU and its member states to regulate economic activities on our territory, which are consistent with our democratic values,” Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier told reporters in Brussels.

    Several European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, as well as the United Kingdom, already levy a digital services tax. Trump also criticized what he described as leniency toward Chinese technology giants, calling it unfair and vowing that unless what he sees as “discriminatory actions” are lifted, he would impose “substantial additional tariffs” and restrict U.S. exports of chips and other advanced technologies.

    The remarks come just a week after Washington and Brussels issued a joint statement on trade cooperation that included a pledge to tackle “unjustified digital trade barriers.” In June, Trump also threatened to suspend trade talks with Canada over Ottawa’s proposed digital services tax, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to drop the plan.

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