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Trump Threatens Major Tariff Over UK's Tech Tax

4/24/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would levy a “big tariff” on Britain.
He said the tariff would exceed revenue from Britain’s 2% digital services tax.
Britain’s Labour government defended the tax, which targets U.S. tech firms with global digital revenues over £500 million and UK earnings above £25 million.
The tariff warning was voiced as King Charles prepares a U.S. visit, prompting GB News to seek Treasury comment.

History

Historical Context

Trump’s March 2018 Section 301 memo ordered $50 billion of Chinese imports to face tariffs, and his March 1 order imposed a 25% steel tariff, sparking the first major U.S.–China trade war. That precedent of using duties to press policy now underlies Washington’s threat to levy a large tariff on Britain’s digital services tax, echoing the 2018 strategy.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would levy a “big tariff” on Britain.
He said the tariff would exceed revenue from Britain’s 2% digital services tax.
Britain’s Labour government defended the tax, which targets U.S. tech firms with global digital revenues over £500 million and UK earnings above £25 million.
The tariff warning was voiced as King Charles prepares a U.S. visit, prompting GB News to seek Treasury comment.

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