WASHINGTON ¨C The U.S. will investigate a French plan to impose taxes on technology companies, a move that has been a prelude to new U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will have as long as a year to examine whether the plan would hurt U.S. technology firms, and suggest remedies. The so-called 301 investigation is the same tool President Donald Trump used to impose tariffs on Chinese goods because of the country¡¯s alleged theft of intellectual property.
¡°The United States is very concerned that the digital services tax which is expected to pass the French Senate tomorrow unfairly targets American companies,¡± Lighthizer said in a statement announcing the action on Wednesday. ¡°The president has directed that we investigate the effects of this legislation and determine whether it is discriminatory or unreasonable and burdens or restricts United States commerce.¡±
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