Trump Tech

The Trump administration is using its global trade weapons to advance the interests of U.S. technology industries, seeking to prevent foreign countries from targeting American internet firms.

- Amrith Ramkumar & Gavin Bade

The administration hopes to use the threat of tariffs and access to the U.S. economy to stop multiple countries from imposing new taxes, regulations, and tariffs on American tech companies and their products ahead of an imposed August 1 deadline, when levies are scheduled to take effect on dozens of trading partners.

Measures targeting America's internet giants remain a sticking point in discussions with Brazil, South Korea, and the European Union, according to people familiar with the discussions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessemer and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai are scheduled to meet Friday in Washington with South Korea's trade and finance ministers.