I dazi e il bullismo di Trump: le trappole nascoste dietro l’offerta Usa all’Europa

Key Points Summary: Trump's Trade Tactics and EU Response

1. Trade Tactics and Tariff Pressures

   • Tariff Escalation: The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on European exports, including 10% on general goods, 25% on automobiles, and 50% on steel and aluminum.
   • Threat of 50% Tariffs: Trump threatens to impose 50% tariffs on all EU exports if the U.S.-EU trade agreement does not meet his demands.
   • Spain as a Target: Spain is singled out for potentially facing double tariffs, exacerbating economic pressure on EU nations.

2. Digital Markets Act and Regulatory Influence

   • Weakening of EU Regulations: The U.S. is pushing to influence the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which protects European startups from Silicon Valley giants. Proposals aim to undermine the DMA to favor U.S. tech firms.
   • Impact on Startups: EU startups could face reduced protections against anti-competitive practices by large American companies, weakening their market position.

3. Global Minimum Tax and Fiscal Incentives

   • Exemption for U.S. Companies: The U.S. is pressuring the G7 (including Germany, France, and Italy) to exempt large American firms from the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax. This would grant U.S. companies favorable tax regimes compared to global competitors.
   • Tax Disparity Example: Jeff Bezos of Amazon could pay significantly less in taxes on his wealth compared to European investors, highlighting the fiscal imbalance.

4. EU’s Strategic Dilemma

   • Avoiding Retaliation: The EU faces a strategic choice between compromising on regulations (e.g., the DMA) or risking further U.S. tariffs.
   • Lack of Resistance: Despite the economic pressure, the EU has not retaliated, opting instead for diplomatic engagement to mitigate tensions.

5. Economic and Political Implications

   • U.S. Strategy Success: Trump’s "bullshit diplomacy" is working in Europe, where the EU prioritizes avoiding conflict over economic retaliation.
   • Long-Term Risks: The EU risks weakening its regulatory sovereignty and favoring U.S. interests, which could erode its competitive edge in global markets.

Conclusion: Trump’s trade tactics are leveraging economic leverage and regulatory influence to reshape the U.S.-EU relationship. The EU’s reluctance to retaliate underscores the complexity of transatlantic trade dynamics and the challenges of balancing economic interests with diplomatic stability.