You are correct that the overall tax burden, economic productivity, and efficiency are not identical between the US and VAT-based economies like the EU. However

You are correct that the overall tax burden, economic productivity, and efficiency are not identical between the US and VAT-based economies like the EU. However, the VAT refund system is what I have been saying is what causes the imbalance along with differing tax structures. This is not a dig against the EU as some people might be thinking I am saying. I am merely explaining the thought process. Devil’s advocate. US is still disadvantaged despite subsidies for EV for like Tesla that were created to encourage clean energy. There is still a system wide US problem. This is despite Tesla receiving subsidies that are far below the 21% corporate tax rate. The tax is still there and then you have VAT that can’t be refunded because the US does not have a VAT system.