U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to open a Section 301 investigation into the European Union following a $1 billion fine imposed on Google under the EU's Digital Markets Act. This trade law allows the U.S. to examine foreign trade practices and respond with tariffs.
Trump criticized the EU for repeatedly targeting major American tech companies, citing fines against Apple, Meta, Amazon, and now Google, accusing Europe of treating the U.S. as a "piggybank." He warned that the EU would "pay a very big price" for what he called unfair treatment.
The new tariffs follow broader U.S. actions targeting about 60 trade partners, including the EU, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% starting last Friday.
EU Enforces Digital Markets Act on Google
The European Commission fined Google 890 million euros for violating rules aimed at curbing unfair advantages by large online platforms. The penalties addressed Google's preferential treatment of its own shopping and travel services in search results, along with restrictions preventing app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside Google Play.
The fines represent roughly 0.22% of Google's annual global revenue, with the Digital Markets Act allowing penalties up to 10% for violations and 20% for repeat offenses. EU officials insist the regulations are not only aimed at U.S. companies, although Washington disagrees, claiming American firms are singled out.
Trump's remarks also referenced previous EU fines totaling about $20 billion against American giants and suggested that the U.S. government expects these penalties to be overturned, signaling possible significant tariffs ahead.
