French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the country will impose a levy irrespective of the status of international negotiations on the issue, saying, “Never has a digital tax been more legitimate and more necessary.” (Reuters)

Talking point: In January, France said it would delay the imposition of a digital tax to avoid a tariff dispute with the U.S., and while the OECD worked on a global agreement. The OECD’s July meeting has since been pushed to October because of the pandemic. France’s levy will require digital companies to pay a three per cent tax on total annual revenue generated. This move could heighten its standoff with the U.S. Meanwhile, the French government is also partnering with its tourism industry on a website to attract lost customers from platforms like Airbnb.