Overview

• President Trump warned of “substantial additional tariffs” and possible export limits on US tech and chips for countries imposing digital taxes or strict platform rules.
• The European Commission rejected the pressure, affirming the EU’s sovereign right to regulate and noting that digital laws were kept outside the July trade framework.
• German machinery group VDMA said roughly 30% of EU machine exports to the US face a 50% levy on metal content, with four‑monthly reviews sustaining uncertainty and added bureaucracy on steel origin and content.
• A DIHK survey found 55% of firms view the deal as too burdensome, 54% report reduced US trade, and 17% with US business have delayed investments, prompting calls for tougher EU negotiating safeguards.
• Switzerland’s Swissmem reported a 39% US tariff rate for many tech exports and said about 31% of member companies are considering shifting business to the EU.