French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is leading efforts to tackle the issue of major corporations avoiding taxes by calling on the world’s leading economies to come to a consensus.
Le Maire is advocating for the G7 nations to establish a minimum corporate tax rate. This initiative has caused tension between France and the United States. France recently approved a 3% tax based on turnover, which was met with criticism from the US. In retaliation, US President Donald Trump instructed his top trade official to investigate the French tax under “Section 301” and threatened economic repercussions on French exports.
Countries like France, along with many others in the European Union, are keen on setting a baseline tax rate for companies. While most of Europe supports this idea, the UK and Canada are hesitant to commit as they anticipate significant political changes in 2019. Although the US has agreed to the concept of a minimum corporate tax rate, it is displeased with what it perceives as France unfairly targeting American tech giants. France has assured that the 3% turnover tax and other measures are temporary. The proponents of the tax, including France, aim for the OECD to introduce a global agreement on the matter. Once such an agreement is in place, the local taxes introduced to ensure large companies pay their dues will be repealed.