Senior US officials are pressing the European Union to rethink its rules for major tech firms as part of talks over steel and aluminium tariffs in Brussels.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Europe should make its digital regulations more welcoming to American tech companies if it wants lower US duties on metals.
The comments come during negotiations to follow up on a trade framework agreed in July that reduced the risk of broad US tariffs on many European products.
Despite that deal, EU metals exporters still face high US duties and an expanded list of goods subject to levies.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters Washington wants to see Europe ease barriers to American goods before agreeing to carve-outs.
Greer and Lutnick said digital-policy concessions are part of the package the US is seeking in return for tariff relief on steel and aluminium.
Washington has long objected to so-called digital services taxes that target revenue from streaming and online advertising, arguing they disproportionately affect US firms.
US companies have also criticised the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which enforces new competition and interoperability rules and took effect last year.
Brussels has pushed back, saying its tech rules are not aimed at any one country and are non-negotiable.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič reiterated that stance during the talks.
Negotiations in Brussels are ongoing, with both sides still trying to reconcile trade and regulatory demands ahead of any adjustments to tariffs.
