U.S. Trade Chief Attacks Germany's 1.5% Streaming Levy as EU-US Trade Deal Breach
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 28
U.S. Trade Chief Attacks Germany's 1.5% Streaming Levy as EU-US Trade Deal Breach
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 28
Germany's cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft law requiring streaming platforms to invest in the country's film sector, prompting the sharpest U.S. trade criticism yet.
Jamieson Greer said the measure discriminates against American services, calling it a levy that treats U.S. companies "like a piggy bank for pet, protectionist projects."
The U.S. trade representative argued the proposal violates the EU-US trade deal, turning a cultural-policy dispute into a broader transatlantic trade issue.
The clash adds pressure to Friedrich Merz's new government as it advances media-support rules that could directly affect major U.S. streaming groups operating in Germany.
Is the US criticism of Germany’s film law a trade dispute or a clash of competing protectionist policies?
Will Germany's streaming levy create the next global blockbusters or just more red tape for Netflix and Disney?