Trump: "We Are Serious About Tariffs... Must Build True Reciprocity"
U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted the legitimacy of his tariff policy by presenting eight types of "non-tariff cheating."
On April 20 (local time), President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, which he owns, "Since the proclamation of 'Liberation Day,' many world leaders and business executives have come to me requesting tariff relief," adding, "It's a good thing that the world knows we are serious."
In particular, President Trump listed the specific details of eight types of "non-tariff cheating" that trade partners have engaged in against the United States.
President Trump identified currency manipulation as the first example. He also cited value-added taxes that function as tariffs and export subsidies, dumping below cost, export subsidies, and government subsidies.
Additionally, he pointed to agricultural standards and technical standards established by trade partners to protect their domestic industries as non-tariff barriers. As an example of agricultural standards, he mentioned the European Union's ban on imports of genetically modified corn, and for technical standards, he cited Japan's bowling ball testing requirements.
Furthermore, President Trump highlighted issues such as counterfeiting, illegal copying, and intellectual property (IP) theft, claiming that these result in annual losses of $1 trillion for the United States. He also identified transshipping, which is used to evade tariffs, as another non-tariff barrier.
President Trump stated, "They (our trade partners) must correct decades of unfair practices against the United States. However, it will not be easy." He continued, "We must rebuild the wealth of our great country and achieve true reciprocity." He emphasized, "To those who want the easiest path, my message is: 'Come to America, and build (your production facilities) in America.'"
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