Trump Raps "Nontariff Cheating" before Japan-U.S. Talks

   Washington, April 20 (Jiji Press)--U.S. President Donald Trump listed currency manipulation, value-added tax and automobile safety standards among what he called "nontariff cheating" practices in a social media post Sunday.
   Trump, who has long expressed frustration with the weaker yen, apparently tried to put pressure on Japan before Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hold talks as early as Thursday, during which they are expected to discuss foreign exchange issues. Bessent may ask the Japanese side to correct the yen's weakness against the dollar.
   In his post, Trump said that VATs "act as tariffs and export subsidies." He sees as a problem that imports from the United States are subject to VATs while exporters in Japan and European countries receive refunds.
   In referring to auto safety standards in his post, Trump wrote, "Japan's bowling ball test."
   During his first administration, Trump criticized Japan based on his misunderstanding that the country conducts a safety test that involves dropping a bowling ball on a vehicle.

(2025/04/21-13:40)

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