On the 20th, US President Trump listed eight 'non-tariff cheating' tactics, including currency manipulation and export subsidies, specifically naming the EU and Japan.
On the 20th Eastern Time, Trump posted on a social media platform, listing these behaviors:
1. Currency manipulation
2. Value-added tax acting as tariffs and export subsidies
3. Dumping below cost
4. Export subsidies and other government subsidies
5. Implementation of protectionist agricultural standards (such as the EU banning genetically modified corn)
6. Implementation of protective technical standards (such as Japan's bowling ball test)
7. Counterfeiting, piracy, and theft of intellectual property (over $1 trillion annually)
8. Transshipment to evade tariffs
1. Currency manipulation
2. Value-added tax acting as tariffs and export subsidies
3. Dumping below cost
4. Export subsidies and other government subsidies
5. Implementation of protectionist agricultural standards (such as the EU banning genetically modified corn)
6. Implementation of protective technical standards (such as Japan's bowling ball test)
7. Counterfeiting, piracy, and theft of intellectual property (over $1 trillion annually)
8. Transshipment to evade tariffs
In his post, Trump specifically named the EU and Japan, accusing the EU of banning the import of genetically modified corn as a form of non-tariff trade barrier. Additionally, Trump has previously complained about Japan testing car quality with bowling balls. In 2018, he stated that Japan drops a bowling ball from 20 feet (about 6 meters) high, letting it hit the car hood. If the hood dents, the car is deemed unqualified. He called such tests 'terrible'. CNN reported at the time that when the White House was asked about this, they softened the statement, saying Trump was just joking.
Before listing the eight non-tariff cheating behaviors, in another post, Trump mentioned that since the 'Day of Liberation' on the 2nd, when reciprocal tariff measures were announced globally, 'many world leaders and company CEOs have approached me asking for tariff reduction. It's great to see the world knows we're serious because we are!' He urged countries to 'rectify decades of abuse', but also acknowledged it wouldn't be easy for them.
At the end of the post, Trump stated: 'We must rebuild the wealth of our great country and create true reciprocity. For those who want the simplest path: Come to America, build in America!'
Regarding the possibility of the US using tariffs to coerce countries to limit economic and trade relations with China, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce warned on the 21st that China firmly opposes any party achieving agreements at the expense of China's interests. 'If this situation arises, China will not accept it and will firmly take reciprocal countermeasures. China has the determination and ability to safeguard its own rights and interests.'