By Jan 
Let’s keep it simple. In Europe, we pay VAT. It’s a tax on almost everything we buy—shoes, bread, yoga mats, and even a secondhand bike bell. It’s built into the price, and we all know it: about 21% in most countries. No drama.
In the United States, they don’t really have VAT. Instead, each state has its own little sales tax, usually 6–10%, and it’s mostly applied after you’ve already decided to buy the thing. You get to the checkout and—surprise!—there’s the real price.
But now, with these sweeping new import tariffs, President Trump seems to have invented his very own version of VAT. Except… it’s only for foreign goods. A kind of selective, politically-charged VAT. Not 21%, but maybe 34%, or 60% if you’re China. It’s like saying, *’We don’t like your apples anymore, unless they come with a loyalty fee.’*
So yes, in a roundabout way, America now has its own VAT. Just not on all things, not equally, and not with much clarity. It’s like hosting a dinner party and charging entry—only to the guests who didn’t bring your favorite wine.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are left wondering: is this tax policy, or just tariff theatre?
Either way, welcome to the club, America. We’ve been paying VAT for decades. You’re going to love it… or not.