U.S. Challenges Canada's New Digital Services Tax

The U.S. has requested trade dispute settlement consultations with Canada over its recently enacted digital services tax, which it views as discriminatory and inconsistent with North American trade deal obligations. If unresolved, the situation could lead to retaliatory U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.

The U.S. has formally requested trade dispute settlement consultations with Canada regarding its newly implemented digital services tax, according to a statement from the Biden administration on Friday. The U.S. Trade Representative's office described the tax as 'discriminatory' and inconsistent with the North American trade deal obligations.

In Ottawa, a Canadian government official, speaking anonymously, stated that the U.S. move was neither surprising nor concerning, labeling it as part of ongoing discussions between the two countries. The U.S. government has persistently objected to the Canadian tax, with previous threats of tariffs against other countries enacting similar taxes.

The U.S. opposes unilateral digital services taxes targeted at major American tech firms and is seeking a broader, multilateral tax agreement through the OECD/G20 global tax negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution while continuing consultations with Canada.

(With inputs from agencies.)