Originally Posted by Rob B.
Trump claims the EU charges us 39%, therefore we're going to charge them 20%. If US whiskey is charged with a 39% tariff in Germany, why is Jack Daniels much cheaper over there despite the 19% value added tax on all goods. I used to be pretty good in math, but this one ...

Rob,
Who knows? It doesn't ring true that Jack is cheaper in Berlin than Lynchburg. Whether it's true or not...it's just Jack.
You keep cherry picking this and that details to make your points, but they give no real context and bring closure to nothing.

Here is a more realistic viewpoint...

The US has a trillion dollar deficit with various countries around the world. That is too much and needs addressing.
Per Gemini the US has a 235 billion dollar trade deficit with EU. That is too much and needs addressing.
Working that out to a more equitable arrangement is going to be complex and distorted by all parties.
When the negotiators get together, they will make claims and need supporting evidence.
It is unlikely that you or I will ever be allowed to fully understand the details of what they offer as arguments and evidence.

I can assure you that the Europeans DO NOT WANT YOU to know the real facts surrounding whatever arguments (LINE OF SH+t) that they are going to make justifying a 235 billion dollar deficit in EU's favor. They will prepare a separate narrative to feed their unquestioning believers.

If the smoke ever clears, you and I can go back to Gemini and asked them what the revised trade numbers are and how they were sourced.
Maybe we will get to know more, but I doubt it.

https://soundcloud.com/sunset-poet-of-texas