Bloomberg Talks US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Talks EU Tech Rules
Nov 24, 2025
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shares critical insights on trade negotiations with the EU, emphasizing the need for reduced tech regulations to foster U.S. investment. He discusses the complexities of steel and aluminum agreements while addressing the affordability of U.S. goods. Lutnick also examines the strategic implications of selling Nvidia’s H200 chips to China and expresses confidence in the administration’s stance on tariffs amid a pending Supreme Court decision. His frank perspective on these topics sheds light on the dynamic trade landscape.
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Regulatory Trade-Off For Data-Center Investment
- Howard Lutnick links easing EU digital rules to attracting massive U.S. data-center investment in Europe.
- He frames a trade-off: regulatory relaxation could unlock hundreds of billions, possibly a trillion, in annual investment.
Propose Reciprocal Concessions To Unlock Investment
- Ask the EU to remove thresholds that single out U.S. tech firms and settle major cases to create a friendlier business climate.
- Offer reciprocal trade benefits, like steel and aluminum concessions, in exchange for a more inviting digital framework.
Member-State Differences And Policy Consequences
- Lutnick emphasizes variation across EU member states and uses carrots and sticks in negotiations.
- He cautions EU against rules that hurt domestic manufacturing, using batteries and diesel as examples.