In a major development today, President Trump stated that the trade war is not just about tariffs—but also includes “non-monetary barriers” that hinder U.S. exports.
🔷 Trump emphasized that the European Union makes it "very hard to sell a product" due to excessive regulations and bureaucratic hurdles.
🔷 This marks a clear shift from focusing solely on tariff negotiations to targeting regulatory practices that restrict market access for U.S. businesses.
🔷 “It’s not just about removing tariffs,” Trump said, suggesting that the U.S. wants broader reforms that ensure fair competition.
🔷 Non-monetary barriers can include things like safety standards, environmental rules, or administrative delays, all of which can act as stealth protectionism.
🔷 The announcement signals that future trade deals may require deeper structural changes, not just surface-level tariff rollbacks.
🔷 Markets may react to this new stance, as it implies a longer, more complex negotiation process—and potentially more volatility ahead.
Bottom Line:
President Trump has widened the scope of the trade war. It’s no longer just about duties—it’s about leveling the entire playing field, from tariffs to technical regulations.
Stay tuned. The next phase of global trade talks just got a lot more complicated.