VAT is applied to (almost) everything in the UK, so not relevant to the tariff discussion. It’s an internal tax, not a trade-related one.He's referring to an equalization in tariffs. The UK applies a 10% tariff on cars imported from the US. On top of the 10% tariff, a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on the total value of the car at the point of entry, which includes the car's cost, shipping, insurance, and the tariff itself. For example, a $30,000 U.S.-made car would incur a $3,000 tariff, bringing the taxable value to $33,000, then add $6,600 in VAT, making the total landed cost $39,600 before other fees (like registration). It seems reasonable that we would charge them the same.
I’m still a bit baffled how Trump — someone who obviously has no understanding of simple economics — is allowed to single-handedly set new taxes without pushback. Why aren’t Americans rioting in the streets?