The Onset of a Transatlantic Trade War Hinges on the Regulation of Digital Industries

In his 100 days in office, Trump signed 20 executive orders and issued four memoranda and three proclamations related to trade tariffs. Trump’s tariffs pose a significant challenge to the global rules-based trading system, marking an unprecedented shift after decades of liberalization in multilateral trade. The trade war has already disrupted global supply chains, slowed economic growth, and sent shockwaves through industries from manufacturing to agriculture. Amid Trump’s aggressive trade agenda, the European Union - as a crucial economic power - plays a key role in determining the stability of the international trade system. As the deadline of the 9th of July is approaching, the prospects of a deal between Washington and Brussels may well depend on whether an agreement can be reached on the governance and regulation of tech industries by the EU.