Trump issues eight-point 'non-tariff cheating' warning amid 90-day global tariff pause
PTC Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has released a detailed eight-point list of alleged non-tariff trade violations, cautioning countries that continued exploitation of such tactics could damage relations with the United States. The announcement follows Trump’s 90-day suspension of his sweeping global tariffs — a pause that notably excludes China, with which the US is engaged in an escalating trade dispute.
Donald Trump’s warning, posted on his Truth Social account, targets countries engaging in what he calls “non-tariff cheating.” Among the key concerns listed are:
Currency manipulation – where countries devalue their currencies to gain unfair export advantages.
Value-Added Taxes (VATs) – criticised for acting as hidden tariffs when imposed on imports but refunded on exports.
Dumping of goods below cost, which undermines fair competition.
Export subsidies and other government-backed financial support to domestic industries.
Overprotective agricultural standards – such as the EU’s ban on genetically modified corn.
Protective technical standards – with Trump citing Japan’s so-called “bowling ball test,” a claim he first made in 2018.
Transshipping – rerouting goods through third countries to dodge tariffs.
Counterfeiting, piracy, and intellectual property theft.
Trump once again brought up the infamous “bowling ball test,” accusing Japan of unfairly excluding US vehicles from their market. “They take a bowling ball from 20 feet in the air and drop it on the hood of the car. If the hood dents, the car doesn’t qualify. It’s horrible,” he reiterated.
NON-TARIFF CHEATING:
1. Currency Manipulation
2. VATs which act as tariffs and export subsidies
3. Dumping Below Cost
4. Export Subsidies and Other Govt. Subsidies
5. Protective Agricultural Standards (e.g., no genetically engineered corn in EU)
6. Protective Technical Standards… — Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 20, 2025
Trump’s global tariff pause excludes China
On April 9, Trump had declared a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all nations except China. He explained that more than 75 countries had entered negotiations with the US without retaliating against his tariff policies, which led to this temporary relief. During the pause, a reduced reciprocal tariff rate of 10% would apply globally.
According to sources, the sudden decision was influenced by growing concerns within the Treasury Department over instability in the bond market. Trump referenced this during a press briefing, saying, “The bond market is very tricky, I was watching it… We didn’t have access to lawyers, we just wrote it up from our hearts. It was written from the heart, and I think it was well written too.”
Tariff war with China intensifies
Despite the global pause, Trump has taken a tougher stance on China, raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, with a further hike to 145% following retaliatory measures from Beijing. These actions are part of what Trump has labelled his “Liberation Day” levies aimed at rebalancing global trade.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China,” Trump said. He added that he believes President Xi Jinping and Chinese officials want a resolution but are uncertain about the approach.
Despite the escalating tension, Trump remains optimistic about future negotiations. “Yeah, we're talking to China. I would say they have reached out a number of times,” he noted.
- With inputs from agencies
