US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs and launch an official trade investigation against the European Union (EU) following Brussels’ decision to fine Google.
In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the EU of engaging in “illegal and unethical behaviour” and warned that the bloc would face consequences over actions he claimed had repeatedly been criticised by his administration.
Trump said he would immediately begin a Section 301 investigation into what he described as the EU’s practice of targeting American companies, while also considering imposing higher tariffs on the bloc as soon as possible.
“The United States is not a ‘piggy bank’ for Europe, and we will not allow this to happen,” he said.
Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, Washington has the authority to investigate foreign practices deemed discriminatory and respond with measures including tariffs.
The threat came a day after the White House announced new tariffs ranging between 10 and 12.5 per cent on 60 trading partners, including the EU.
The European Commission had earlier fined Google US$1 billion (RM4 billion) for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking the first penalty imposed on the technology giant under the legislation.
The EU regulator said Google had favoured its own shopping, hotel, transport and sports services in search results, while also restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the Google Play store.
The latest dispute has added fresh tension to trade relations between Washington and Brussels, with both sides facing renewed disagreements over technology regulations and market practices.
