Zheng Quan Shi Bao Wang·2025-12-18 02:57Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government threatens retaliatory measures against the EU for imposing fines and investigations on American tech giants like Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta, citing "discriminatory" practices against U.S. service providers [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Response - The U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) stated that if the EU continues to impose discriminatory restrictions on U.S. service providers, the U.S. will have no choice but to use all available tools for retaliation [2]. - USTR highlighted that new fees and restrictions could also affect other countries considering similar policies, serving as a warning [2]. - The USTR named nine European companies, including Accenture, DHL, Siemens, and Spotify, as potential targets for retaliatory measures due to their unrestricted access to the U.S. market [2][3]. Group 2: EU's Position - The EU Commission defended its regulations, stating they aim to ensure a "safe, fair, and equal competitive environment" and that enforcement does not involve discrimination [3]. - The EU is pushing for digital trade regulations and plans to tax major U.S. tech companies, which critics argue could hinder technological innovation and unfairly increase tax burdens [2][4]. Group 3: Recent Actions Against U.S. Tech Companies - The EU has taken enforcement actions against U.S. tech firms this year, including a €120 million fine against Musk's X platform and a €2.95 billion fine against Google for anti-competitive behavior in advertising [4]. - Ongoing investigations include Meta's restrictions on AI service providers accessing WhatsApp and Google's use of online content for its AI services [4]. Group 4: Broader Trade Implications - The digital services tax dispute is overshadowing ongoing U.S.-EU trade negotiations, with the EU seeking to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods in exchange for U.S. tariffs on nearly all EU exports [5]. - The EU's trade chief emphasized the importance of protecting technological sovereignty while maintaining regular communication with U.S. trade representatives [5].