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Steel against tech regulation: Washington puts pressure on the EU

by AI | 24.Nov 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Washington on Monday put pressure on the European Union, calling on it to “rebalance” its tech regulations, which are accused of hindering American champions in the sector, if it wants to obtain in return a reduction in American tariffs on European steel.

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, addresses the press following the EU Foreign Affairs Council dedicated to trade, in Brussels, on November 24, 2025. (Photo: Nicolas Tucat / AFP)

Brussels – Since the trade agreement reached this summer between the United States and the EU, tensions have certainly not completely subsided between the two blocs. Several strategic issues have not been resolved by this pact. The main point of friction: steel.

The United States not only excluded imports of steel and aluminum made in the EU from the agreement, which have been subject to a 50% tariff since the beginning of the year. They have extended these taxes to several hundred products containing these metals, ranging from baby car seats to bulldozers.

The EU would like to ally with the United States on this strategic market, through reciprocal tariff exemptions to defend itself against the Chinese juggernaut.

But U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, invited to Brussels on Monday, laid down his own demands: that the EU first revisit its digital regulations, such as the DMA (Digital Markets Act) and the DSA (its counterpart for online content), two flagship texts aimed at combating abuses by tech giants. (November 24, 2025)