United States of America: President signed memorandum to defend American companies and innovators from overseas extortion including direction for Digital Service Tax investigations

On 21 February 2025, the United States President signed the “memorandum to defend American companies and innovators from overseas extortion” including direction for Digital Service Tax investigations. The memorandum directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to renew and expand investigations into digital service taxes (DSTs) imposed by foreign governments. These DSTs apply to American companies operating abroad without consideration for local jurisdiction. The memorandum outlines potential measures, such as tariffs, to counter practices deemed discriminatory to US enterprises.