this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2025
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World News

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Summary

A YouGov poll across seven western European countries found strong public support for retaliatory tariffs if Donald Trump imposes new US import duties, including a planned 25% car tariff.

Majorities in nations like Germany (68%) and France (67%) backed countermeasures, even while expecting economic harm.

The EU vowed a “robust and calibrated” response amid fears of a trade war. Most respondents disagreed with Trump’s claims that the EU treats the US unfairly.

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[–] doingthestuff@lemy.lol 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (4 children)

Can someone explain the VAT tax? We don't have VAT here, I've heard of it but never had it explained but I've Heard it makes American vehicles more expensive in places like Germany.

Edit to say thank you for the responses, very helpful

[–] itsonlygeorge@reddthat.com 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] doingthestuff@lemy.lol 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I read that, and there was a link for more information on how it is applied but it just sends you each country's main tax organization website where there is no obvious information on VAT. I'm left with questions, like is VAT applied to all transactions, or only to imports from other nations?

[–] hellequin67@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago

VAT is applied to all goods irrelevant of origination. Think of it as a federal sales tax instead of a state sales tax.

There are different rates dependent on the goods and some items are VAT free (again this has nothing to do with origin but to do with the product} i.e. I'm fairly sure that in UK children's clothes are either exempt or VAt at a lower rate.

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