Trump threatens 100% import tariff on UK over digital services tax
Donald Trump threatened Britain with a 100 percent import tax, citing the digital services tax that Britain imposed on American social media companies.
The US president also stated that this punitive measure would replace any existing trade agreement between the two countries.
Mr Trump has previously warned of such action unless Britain drops its 2 per cent tax on major US tech companies.
The tax applies to companies with global digital revenues exceeding £500 million, of which more than £25 million comes from British users.
The tax increased by more than £800 million in 2024-25, from £678 million in 2023-24, according to the 2025 Treasury review.
Don’t write On Truth Social social media platformMr Trump said: “Several European countries are discussing the imminent implementation of a Digital Services Tax on American Companies.
“Some of these countries are actually very close to doing this.
“Please allow this declaration to state that any Country imposing such Duty shall forthwith be charged with a 100% TARIFF on all Goods shipped into the United States.
“This TARIFF will replace Trade Agreements with the Country, whether implemented, signed or not. Additionally, if they continue, the 100% TARIFF will be applied immediately.”
Mr. Trump made a similar threat in April, stating that significant tariffs could be imposed if the country did not reverse its digital services tax on American technology companies.
The tax, introduced in 2020, imposes a 2 percent fee on the revenues of major U.S. companies such as Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta.
The measure drew criticism from both Mr. Trump and his successor, Joe Biden.
Speaking in April, Mr Trump said: “We’re looking into this and we could cover that very easily by putting a huge tariff on the UK, so they’d better be careful.”
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