The recent U.S.-EU trade agreement has received a mixed response from small technology companies and app developers. Morgan Reed, president of ACT | The App Association, commented on the outcome, noting positive developments as well as ongoing concerns.
“We are relieved to see the EU’s commitment not to adopt or maintain network usage fees and pleased with their decision to maintain zero customs duties on software and digital goods,” said Morgan Reed, president of ACT | The App Association. “Unfortunately, the announced details of the U.S.-EU trade deal do not include any action to reduce EU regulatory burdens, like the Digital Markets Act or the AI Act, that are huge barriers to global digital trade and anchors slowing innovation from small technology companies, both in the United States and in Europe.”
While the agreement maintains zero customs duties on digital products and avoids new network fees, it does not address broader regulatory challenges faced by smaller tech firms operating across borders. Regulations such as the Digital Markets Act and AI Act continue to be cited as obstacles for businesses seeking to innovate and compete internationally.