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US presses EU to reform digital laws ahead of steel tariff relief
(MENAFN) The United States on Monday pushed the European Union to adjust and “balance” its regulations on major digital platforms before Washington agrees to ease its steep duties on European steel, according to reports.
Following discussions held alongside an EU trade ministers’ meeting in Brussels, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued that the EU’s current digital framework creates uneven obligations for tech companies — many of which are headquartered in the United States.
"Our suggestion is that the European Union and their trade ministers deeply consider trying to analyze their digital rules, try to come away with a balance, not put them away, but find the balanced approach that works with us ... then we will, together with them, handle the steel and aluminum issues and bring that on together," he said.
Washington presently applies a 50% tariff on steel imports and, since mid-August, has expanded this measure to cover the metal content in more than 400 additional “derivative” goods, such as motorcycles and refrigerators. Reports indicate that another round of products may join the list in the coming weeks.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act and related legislation place strict obligations on powerful online platforms, with noncompliance triggering substantial penalties. US officials have long argued that these rules, including the criteria for designating companies as “gatekeepers,” fall disproportionately on American firms.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic maintained that the bloc’s digital policies do not target any specific country. Still, he acknowledged that digital governance remains a major sticking point for Washington and will require further negotiation.
According to reports, Sefcovic stressed that the EU intends to move “with lightning speed” on reducing tariffs for steel and derivative goods while strengthening joint efforts with the US on industrial supply chains.
He noted that the EU already submitted proposals in August to begin lowering duties, in line with previous commitments, and that the US has similarly initiated retroactive adjustments on selected tariffs.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining a constructive transatlantic trade partnership as they confront shared economic security concerns, including oversupply issues affecting the global steel sector.
Following discussions held alongside an EU trade ministers’ meeting in Brussels, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued that the EU’s current digital framework creates uneven obligations for tech companies — many of which are headquartered in the United States.
"Our suggestion is that the European Union and their trade ministers deeply consider trying to analyze their digital rules, try to come away with a balance, not put them away, but find the balanced approach that works with us ... then we will, together with them, handle the steel and aluminum issues and bring that on together," he said.
Washington presently applies a 50% tariff on steel imports and, since mid-August, has expanded this measure to cover the metal content in more than 400 additional “derivative” goods, such as motorcycles and refrigerators. Reports indicate that another round of products may join the list in the coming weeks.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act and related legislation place strict obligations on powerful online platforms, with noncompliance triggering substantial penalties. US officials have long argued that these rules, including the criteria for designating companies as “gatekeepers,” fall disproportionately on American firms.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic maintained that the bloc’s digital policies do not target any specific country. Still, he acknowledged that digital governance remains a major sticking point for Washington and will require further negotiation.
According to reports, Sefcovic stressed that the EU intends to move “with lightning speed” on reducing tariffs for steel and derivative goods while strengthening joint efforts with the US on industrial supply chains.
He noted that the EU already submitted proposals in August to begin lowering duties, in line with previous commitments, and that the US has similarly initiated retroactive adjustments on selected tariffs.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining a constructive transatlantic trade partnership as they confront shared economic security concerns, including oversupply issues affecting the global steel sector.
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