Trump launches Section 301 probe into EU, threatens 'substantial' tariff

Published Jul 24, 07:39 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced a trade probe into the European Union under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, accusing the bloc of 'robbing' American companies through fines against U.S. tech giants. The announcement follows a recent $1 billion EU fine on Google for alleged noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act, as well as prior penalties against Apple, Meta, and Amazon. Trump stated the probe will likely result in a 'substantial' tariff on the 27-member bloc. The EU fines were imposed over alleged anti-competitive practices. Separately, a federal lawsuit was filed challenging new tariffs imposed hours earlier on goods from over 80 countries, including EU members, over forced labor allegations. Trump warned the EU will 'pay a very big price' for its conduct.