The European Value Added Tax (VAT) is perceived by some as discriminatory against US exports, given that it applies equally to imported goods despite those goods having already borne taxation in their home countries. Critics argue that this creates an unfair burden on American manufacturers who do not benefit from services provided by the EU. The VAT is structured to avoid double taxation but each country involved in production benefits from the tax revenue. Moreover, there are broader sentiments expressed in the comments, linking the effectiveness of US business practices and political decisions to the competitiveness of American products, particularly in international markets.