Trump Issues 8-Pointer 'Non-Tariff Cheating' Warning Amid 90-Day Pause

President Donald Trump on Sunday intensified his offensive on foreign trade practices, publishing a fiery series of posts on Truth Social accusing U.S. trading partners of widespread “non-tariff cheating” — practices he claims are just as harmful as direct tariffs.

In a widely shared post, Trump listed eight alleged tactics used by foreign nations — many attributed to China and the EU — to circumvent or manipulate global trade rules. His warning comes as the administration enforces a baseline 10% tariff on all imported goods and maintains a 145% tariff wall on Chinese exports, fueling global supply chain tensions.

Trump’s List of “Non-Tariff Cheating”

Trump’s post outlines the following infractions:

Currency Manipulation
Value-Added Taxes (VATs) that function as disguised tariffs or subsidies
Dumping products below cost to destroy competitors
Export subsidies and government-backed pricing
Restrictive agricultural standards (like the EU’s GMO bans)
Technical trade barriers (e.g., Japan’s “bowling ball test”)
Counterfeiting, piracy, and IP theft (Trump claims over $1 trillion/year in losses)
Transshipping through third countries to evade tariffs

“They must right the wrongs of decades of abuse, but it won’t be easy for them,” Trump wrote. “Come to America, and build in America!”

Trump Doubles Down: “We Are Serious”

In another Truth Social post (uploaded above), Trump declared that world leaders and business executives have been “begging” for relief since his “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, which paused tariff hikes for 90 days on select nations — but not China.

“It’s good to see that the world knows we are serious, because WE ARE!” he posted. “We must rebuild the wealth of our great country, and create true RECIPROCITY.”

Trump’s use of “Liberation Day” to describe his sweeping trade agenda has polarized global markets, but won support among his core base. His team claims the new tariffs are aimed at reversing decades of trade imbalance and protecting U.S. manufacturing.

Trade War with China Intensifies

Trump’s comments come just days after China responded with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods and expanded restrictions on mineral exports, further escalating the standoff between the world’s two largest economies. (

China remains a central target in Trump’s trade crackdown, with accusations of IP theft, currency manipulation, and covert gold accumulation fueling tensions. (More: China Warns of Retaliation Against US Allies as Trade Tensions Escalate)

Market Reaction & Geopolitical Fallout

Global equity markets remain volatile, with the S&P 500 down 12% in early April, before rebounding on Trump’s 90-day pause.
Gold prices surged past $3,400/oz, fueled by central bank demand, particularly from China.
The euro hit a post-2021 high against the dollar amid speculation that EU nations could be next in line for tariff scrutiny.

What’s Next?

With Trump tightening the grip on global trade flows and suggesting more punitive action against “cheaters,” analysts say the next 90 days will be critical. Foreign governments must either negotiate terms or face more aggressive tariff enforcement, while corporations scramble to reposition supply chains.