July 10,2020

Grassley, Wyden Joint Statement on USTR Action on French Digital Services Tax

Washington Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today released the following statement on the announcement from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that the United States would impose tariffs on $1.3 billion of French goods.

 

“Retaliatory tariffs aren’t ideal but the French government’s refusal to back down from its unilateral imposition of unfair and punitive taxes on U.S. companies leaves our government with no choice,” Grassley and Wyden said. “We hope the French government views the Administration’s deferral of these tariffs as an opportunity to repeal its digital services tax and continue working with OECD member states on a multilateral approach that is fair to all parties. Unilateral action that targets and discriminates against U.S. businesses will not be tolerated.”

 

Previously, Grassley and Wyden voiced support for USTR’s investigation under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act of foreign digital services taxes.