US President Accuses Countries of Using Hidden Trade Barriers
In a recent post on Truth Social, US President Donald J. Trump shared a list of what he calls “non-tariff cheating,” accusing countries of using hidden methods to gain unfair advantages in global trade. The post comes amid renewed trade tensions and Trump’s decision to pause reciprocal tariffs for most nations—excluding China.
The eight-point list outlines methods Trump believes are used to manipulate trade without direct tariffs. “It’s time we call out the cheats,” Trump wrote.
What is “Non-Tariff Cheating”?
According to Trump, countries are engaging in unfair practices that hurt American businesses. These practices don’t involve traditional tariffs but still make it harder for US products to compete.
The Eight Non-Tariff Cheating Tactics Highlighted by Trump:
1. Currency Manipulation – Artificially lowering currency value to make exports cheaper and US imports expensive.
2. VATs as Tariffs – Value-added taxes that act like hidden tariffs or export subsidies.
3. Dumping Below Cost – Selling goods in foreign markets at prices lower than production cost to kill competition.
4. Export Subsidies – Government support that lowers prices for foreign buyers, giving local companies an unfair edge.
5. Protective Agricultural Standards – Restricting certain imports using safety or health claims (e.g., banning genetically engineered corn).
6. Technical Barriers – Complex standards that limit foreign entry (Trump famously cited Japan’s “bowling ball test” for car imports).
7. IP Theft and Piracy – Trump alleged over $1 trillion a year is lost due to counterfeit goods and stolen US technology.
8. Transshipping to Evade Tariffs – Moving goods through third countries to bypass import taxes.
China in the Spotlight Again
Trump’s post comes shortly after he announced new tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, with some items facing total duties of up to 245% when combined with older tariffs.
Despite this, Trump claimed ongoing trade talks with China are going well:
> “By the way, we have nice conversations going with China. It’s, like, really very good.”
However, Trump has repeatedly accused China of manipulating its currency and stealing American technology—central issues in the ongoing trade war.
Trump Revives “Bowling Ball” Claim
Trump also revived a bizarre but symbolic complaint from 2018, alleging that Japan uses a “bowling ball test” to reject US car imports.
> “They take a bowling ball from 20 feet up in the air and drop it on the hood of the car,” Trump said.
“If the hood dents, the car doesn’t pass.”
This claim was previously dismissed as a joke by a White House official, but Trump repeated it again in his recent post to stress the extent of protectionist policies abroad.
Trump Says Tariff Talks Progressing Well, More Time Needed on Key Issues
U.S. President Donald Trump said that negotiations on tariffs are moving in a positive direction, with several countries showing strong interest in striking new trade deals. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about the overall progress of the discussions.
> “Tariff negotiations are going well. Everybody wants to make a deal,” Trump said, signaling that there’s broad global interest in resolving trade tensions.
He also touched on foreign policy matters, mentioning that he’s had constructive meetings related to Ukraine, Russia, and Iran. However, he noted that while progress has been made, more time is still needed to finalize agreements in those areas.
> “We had good meetings on Ukraine, Russia, and Iran. We just need a little more time,” he said.
In addition to addressing trade and diplomacy, Trump praised Fox News host and veteran Pete Hegseth, adding a personal touch to his comments.
> “Hegseth is doing a great job,” Trump stated, without elaborating further.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing global uncertainty around tariffs, trade imbalances, and geopolitical tensions. His statements suggest a willingness to continue engagement but also reflect his typical “deal-maker” stance—pressuring for favorable terms while keeping negotiations flexible.
Conclusion: Will the US Crack Down?
Trump’s post signals a warning to trade partners: the US may act tough not just on tariffs but also on hidden trade barriers. His focus on non-tariff cheating suggests a broader crackdown might be coming, especially if negotiations don’t deliver results.
Countries engaging in these tactics could face retaliatory actions—even those currently spared from new tariffs.
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