Donald Trump has intensified his position on trade, releasing an eight-point list of ‘non-tariff cheating’ offenses that could strain relations with the United States.
Despite the current 90-day pause on new tariffs, the former president made it clear that trade remains a top priority.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social on Easter Sunday (April 20), Trump outlined eight tactics he claims countries might use to manipulate tariff rules, warning that any such moves could seriously damage their trade ties with the U.S.
At the top of his eight-point list, Trump highlighted currency manipulation as a cheat.
Trump has previously accused some countries of deliberately devaluing their currencies to boost their exports while making US products more expensive abroad, therefore putting US goods at an unfair disadvantage in global markets.
He announced an eight-point list on Easter (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Trump also issued warnings against practices such as selling goods below cost (dumping), offering export subsidies and other government subsidies, engaging in counterfeiting, piracy, and intellectual property theft, as well as transhipping goods to evade tariffs. He highlighted protective agricultural standards, using the example of the EU’s ban on genetically engineered corn.
Additionally, he criticized ‘protective technical standards,’ referencing Japan’s so-called ‘bowling ball test,’ which he had previously accused the Japanese automotive industry of using unfairly back in 2018.
Trump issued the list yesterday (realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)
He was reportedly quoted saying, “They take a bowling ball from 20 feet above the car and drop it on the hood. If the hood dents, the car doesn’t qualify. It’s terrible.”
This list comes as Trump has argued that such ‘non-tariff barriers are just as harmful as tariffs — maybe even worse’ and criticized businesspeople who oppose tariffs, calling them ‘bad at business’ and ‘really bad at politics.’
He accused Japanese auto companies of manipulating a test to block US cars being sold in the country (Getty Images)
“Since announcing LIBERATION DAY, many world leaders and business executives have approached me seeking relief from tariffs. It’s clear that the world understands we mean business — BECAUSE WE DO!” Trump continued on his platform. “They must address the wrongs of decades of abuse, but it won’t be easy for them. We must rebuild the wealth of our great country and establish true RECIPROCITY.
“But for those seeking the easiest path: Come to America, and build in America!”
This statement comes after Trump announced a 90-day pause on his tariffs plan on April 9, affecting all countries except China, which still faces the threat of tariffs as high as 245 percent.
Trump explained that the pause was allowed after most of the countries on his list expressed interest in negotiating a trade agreement rather than retaliating with counter-tariffs. However, China immediately responded by imposing tariffs on U.S. goods.
