Posted on Truth Social, the ex-President of the United States' message describes dangers to US economic interests
Former President Donald Trump has publicly warned the global community of eight specific trade practices he deems injurious to American economic interests. Shared through his Truth Social platform, the message reflects his strong stance on safeguarding U.S. trade and indicates possible repercussions for nations that practice them. Trump made it clear that further participation in such behaviors might harm diplomatic and trade ties with the United States.
This follows already-imposed retaliatory duties, with a majority of countries—except for China—handed a short-term 90-day reprieve. The announcement is a revival of momentum for Trump's wider trade policy drive.
Global Trade Practices Criticized by Donald Trump
Currency Devaluation to Boost Exports
Trump condemned nations that intentionally devalue their currencies to reduce the cost of exports on international markets. He claimed this action distorts fair competition and unfairly affects U.S. manufacturers and exporters.
VAT Refund Systems on Exports
He also criticized the way some countries apply Value-Added Tax (VAT). Under Trump, although VAT is levied on imports, the same countries tend to reimburse the tax on exports—a practice he described as providing exporters with an uneven advantage.
Dumping and Subsidization of Exports
Artificially Low Pricing Through Dumping
The previous president emphasized dumping as a major issue. He noted that leading exporters, notably China, tend to export items such as vehicles at prices lower than production levels in other countries. This, he said, poses risks to domestic industries and jobs.
Key National Government Export Subsidies
Trump opposed the direct government subsidies provided to aid export industries. He considers these manipulative instruments that push around global pricing to undermine trade equity.
Other Trade Strategies Trump Disagrees
Agricultural Subsidies for Local Farmers
Trump said subsidies to help local agricultural industries create an unfair playing field. He feels such domestic protection hinders U.S. farmers from competing globally.
Intellectual Property Infringements and Counterfeit Products
He also highlighted the dangers of counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft. In Trump's opinion, these acts not only injure American companies but also violate global trade conventions.
Trade Evasion and Technical Barriers
Tariff Evasion through Third-Party Nations
Trump attacked the practice of using third-party countries to skirt U.S. tariffs. He argued that it undermines trade enforcement and makes nations evade sanctions designed to police unfair competition.
Manipulative Technical Standards: The Japan Example
Referencing Japan's 2018 "bowling ball test" for imports of automobiles, Trump maintained that certain countries utilize esoteric technical standards to protect local firms. He labeled this specific technique—plummeting a bowling ball 20 feet onto an automobile hood—"deliberately restrictive" to foreign competitors.
U.S. Tariff Policy Update
The announcement ended with a reminder that retaliatory tariffs are already in effect. All nations except China now enjoy a 90-day window of opportunity. Trump, however, confirmed that the tariff war with China has escalated, with new import duties as high as 243 percent on Chinese goods.
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