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美国外链苹果税清零,欧盟低至12%,我们还交30%吗?

Core Viewpoint - Apple is facing significant regulatory pressure globally regarding its App Store fees, commonly referred to as "Apple Tax," which has led to substantial changes in its fee structure in the EU and the US, while China remains locked into a higher fee regime [1][2][9]. Group 1: Apple Tax Overview - The Apple Tax is characterized by a high commission rate of 30% on digital goods and services, which is higher than corporate income tax rates in many regions [2]. - Apple's global revenue from this tax is estimated to reach approximately 266.7 billion RMB (around 40 billion USD) in 2024, nearly double the size of China's AI chip market [3]. - The operating profit margin from the Apple Tax is reported to be as high as 75%, significantly exceeding the average profit margin of major internet companies in China [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes in the EU - Following a 500 million Euro fine from the EU, Apple has reduced its commission for external link transactions to 12%, allowing users to purchase digital goods from third-party platforms [5][6]. - A tiered commission structure has been introduced, where the fee is 12% for basic services and 20% for comprehensive services, with a notable restriction that apps offering external payment options cannot use Apple's in-app purchase system [6][7]. - If EU users adopt the external link payment method, it could save the market up to 23.3 billion RMB annually, enhancing the competitiveness of the European digital industry [7]. Group 3: Developments in the US - A recent US court ruling has eliminated the Apple Tax for external link transactions, allowing developers to direct users to third-party payment platforms without incurring fees [8]. - If this ruling stands, the estimated revenue from Apple Tax in the US for 2024 could be around 107.9 billion RMB (approximately 16.5 billion USD), representing a significant financial relief for the US digital economy [8]. Group 4: Implications for China - China, as Apple's third-largest market, contributes approximately 470 billion RMB (around 70 billion USD) in revenue, yet continues to face a 30% Apple Tax, amounting to about 50 billion RMB annually [9][10]. - There is a call for China to align its policies with those of the US and EU to secure similar benefits for its digital market, as the current high fees could undermine the international competitiveness of China's digital industry [10].