美欧“数字税战”再升级 华盛顿放话“动用一切手段”

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing tensions between the US and EU in the digital economy have escalated, with the US Trade Representative's Office warning of potential retaliatory measures against European companies if the EU continues to impose regulations perceived as discriminatory against American digital service providers [1][5][12]. Group 1: Background and Context - The immediate trigger for the current dispute was the EU's imposition of a €120 million fine on Elon Musk's social media platform X under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which highlighted issues such as advertising transparency and data accessibility [5]. - The US has framed the EU's actions, including fines and regulations, as part of a systematic discrimination against American service providers, extending the potential for retaliation beyond tariffs to include fees on European companies and restrictions on their market access in the US [5][8]. Group 2: Underlying Issues - The digital services tax (DST) has been viewed by the US as a targeted policy against American tech firms, with previous disputes leading to retaliatory tariffs on French goods due to similar concerns [8][12]. - The lack of progress on a global tax reform framework under the OECD has led to a resurgence of tensions, as the EU continues to implement its own digital service taxes and stringent regulations without a unified approach [8][14]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The US perceives digital services as a strategic asset for national competitiveness, arguing that EU regulations increase compliance costs and undermine American technological advantages [14]. - The US Trade Representative's approach suggests a shift towards using market access as leverage in negotiations, indicating that the conflict could extend beyond tech companies to encompass a broader range of European service industries [14]. Group 4: Future Scenarios - Potential outcomes include a controlled escalation where the US selectively pressures certain sectors while embedding digital issues into broader trade negotiations, or a return to negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions through technical arrangements [17]. - However, if the EU maintains its stringent enforcement of regulations and the US responds with concrete actions against foreign services, the situation could evolve into a service trade war, impacting various sectors beyond technology [17].