27.06.2026 11:32
After the agreement signed with Iran ended the war in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump is now preparing to restart trade wars. Trump announced that if European Union countries, which are set to impose a digital services tax on US-based companies, implement this practice, a 100 percent tariff will be applied to all products they send to the US.
Economic and trade disputes between the USA and European countries continue.
TRUMP THREATENS EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH 100 PERCENT TARIFFS
Most recently, US President Donald Trump stated in a post on his social media account that many European Union countries are considering implementing a digital services tax on US-based companies, and issued stern warnings regarding this situation.
Trump said that some countries are very close to implementing this practice, and stated that any country imposing this tax will face a 100 percent tariff on all products they send to the USA. Trump used the phrases, "This tariff will override all trade agreements made, in effect, signed, or not yet in effect with that country."
Trump emphasized that the 100 percent tariff would be applied immediately if countries implement the digital services tax.
HE PRESSED THE BUTTON FOR A NEW TARIFF WAR
US President Donald Trump had pressed the button for new trade moves in recent weeks after the country's highest court overturned some tariffs applied under presidential powers.
While US trade officials proposed a 25 percent tariff on Brazil, they also launched a new investigation into trade with Vietnam. Additionally, new taxes ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent for more than 60 countries, including Turkey and the European Union, were brought to the agenda on the grounds of forced labor laws.
NEW INVESTIGATIONS WERE ON THE TABLE
The US administration had begun conducting a comprehensive investigation into overcapacity and state subsidies in industrial sectors. It was stated that new taxes could be imposed on some countries after the investigation is completed. The Washington administration also asked companies to provide their views on plans regarding the future of trade with China.
METHOD CHANGED AFTER COURT DECISION
Following the US Supreme Court's decision in February, the Trump administration could no longer directly announce tariffs using emergency powers.
Therefore, the White House turned to old trade laws that require public consultation and the preparation of an official report. Experts noted that in the new period, tariffs would come into effect after longer procedures.
CRITICAL DATE: END OF JULY
It was reported that the Trump administration is trying to complete new regulations by the end of July 2026, when the current temporary tariffs expire. These tariffs were implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which can remain in effect for 150 days. For this reason, it was stated that the Trump administration is trying to establish different legal bases for the new taxes.
CONCERN OVER HIGHER TAXES
It was reported that while many countries think the USA will maintain current tariff rates, some trade partners are concerned about the possibility of higher rates being introduced.
On the other hand, the Washington administration lowered taxes on some agricultural and industrial equipment to reduce pressure on inflation and the cost of living ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Customs duties on some agricultural machinery, bulldozers, and forklifts were reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent.
SIGNAL FOR A NEW ERA IN TRADE WITH CHINA
Meanwhile, the US administration continues its efforts to reshape trade relations with China. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated in a statement that Washington is open to reducing tariffs on some Chinese goods. However, experts predict that new investigations and additional taxes will continue to dominate the global trade agenda in the coming period.
Source: AA / IHA