US trade negotiations to include regulatory and data demands

The Trump administration has signalled its intent to reshape global trade beyond traditional tariffs, targeting a wide range of "non-tariff weapons." 

Peter Navarro, an economist and senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing to US President Trump, warned trade partners on Tuesday that lowering tariffs is only the beginning of negotiations, indicating a broad agenda to address perceived unfair trade practices. These include currency manipulation, licensing practices, product standards, customs procedures, data localisation, and regulatory actions against US technology companies. The list presents significant challenges for trade delegations attempting to negotiate with the US, as it involves politically sensitive areas that could alienate domestic voters.

Furthermore, trade experts suggest that these non-tariff measures could have a more profound impact on global supply chains than tariffs alone. 

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