Trump: “We are serious about tariffs… We must build true reciprocity.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the legitimacy of his tariff policies by listing eight types of “non-tariff cheating.” On the 20th (local time), President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that after the “Day of Liberation” declaration, many world leaders and corporate executives have approached him to request tariff relief. He stated, “It’s good that the world knows we are serious.”
President Trump detailed eight specific “non-tariff cheating” actions that trade partners have taken against the United States. He first pointed out currency manipulation, then mentioned value-added taxes that act as tariffs and export subsidies, dumping below cost, export subsidies, and government subsidies.
He also highlighted the agricultural standards and technical standards set up by trade partners to protect their own industries as non-tariff barriers. As examples, he cited the EU’s ban on the import of genetically modified corn as an agricultural standard and Japan’s bowling ball testing as a technical standard.
Furthermore, Trump addressed issues like counterfeiting, piracy, and intellectual property (IP) theft, claiming that they cause the U.S. losses of $1 trillion annually. He also identified transshipping to avoid tariffs as another non-tariff barrier.
Trump insisted that trade partners must rectify the unfair practices against the U.S. that have persisted for decades, though he acknowledged it would not be easy. He argued for rebuilding the wealth of the great nation and achieving true reciprocity. To those looking for the easiest path, he emphasized, “Come to America, and build (facilities) in America.”