Washington initiates Section 301 probe into EU over tech antitrust fines
The White House has launched a formal trade investigation into the European Union, citing alleged unfair regulatory practices against major American technology firms following a billion-dollar fine levied against Google.
US President Donald Trump has announced a Section 301 trade investigation into the European Union, threatening new tariffs in response to regulatory fines imposed on major American technology companies. The immediate catalyst is an €890 million ($1 billion) fine levied by the European Commission against Google for anti-competitive practices. Trump demanded that fines against Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon be reversed, stating the US would not serve as a "PIGGYBANK" for Europe.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump characterised the EU’s actions as "robbing American companies and, in turn, the American taxpayer." He stated that the United States would "immediately initiate a 301 investigation" into alleged unfair regulatory practices while considering "a substantial TARIFF." The move follows the imposition of tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the EU, UK, and China, ranging from 10% to 12.5% just one day prior.
The US Trade Representative has the power under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to investigate unfair trade practices. This marks the second Trump Administration’s latest in a series of such investigations launched since last year. The President specifically cited alleged fines of $15bn for Apple, $3bn for Meta, and $2.5bn for Amazon, in addition to the Google fine, demanding they be "entirely reversed."
Google spokesman José Castañeda responded to the regulatory action by stating the company had "worked hard to comply" with the Digital Markets Act but had expressed concerns about the impact of recent European Commission decisions. He added that the company appreciated the engagement by the administration and US government. Representatives for Meta, Apple, Amazon, and the European Commission have been contacted for comment.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and Brussels over digital regulation. Shortly before his election in 2024, Trump reported receiving a direct call from Apple CEO Tim Cook complaining about fines related to a long-running dispute over unpaid taxes. The EU’s fine against Google relates to allegations that it favoured its own apps over rivals, a practice that has drawn scrutiny from regulators across the bloc.
