In a recent interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer addressed the implications of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which increased tariff rates on approximately 70 countries.
Greer emphasized that these tariff rates are largely fixed and built upon existing agreements. He explained that the administration’s ongoing trade negotiations may not lead to immediate adjustments in these tariffs anytime soon.
The conversation also touched on the President’s perspective that sometimes a tariff may be more beneficial than a deal. Greer clarified that most countries are assigned specific tariff rates, which are reflective of trade conditions and the deficit or surplus the U.S. has with them.
In terms of manufacturing employment, Greer acknowledged the recent unemployment data indicating a contraction in manufacturing for the fifth straight month and Factory employment reaching its lowest levels in five years.
However, he offered a perspective that corporate decision-making has been influenced by uncertainty surrounding legislative changes, specifically the tax implications for capital goods linked to the recently passed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’
In light of the newly enacted policies, Greer expressed optimism that investments would increase in the manufacturing sector moving forward, attributing the lull in job creation to a pre-bill environment.
The interview also ventured into the controversial topic of labor statistics and the firing of the head of Labor Statistics by President Trump due to dissatisfaction with the weak jobs report. Greer noted that while he respects the President’s concerns regarding data reliability, he personally does not view the current labor statistics as a reflection of the tariff policy’s effectiveness.
Brennan pressed Greer further, citing estimates from tech giant Apple which projected that tariffs could cost the company over a billion dollars, alongside expressed concerns from automakers like GM, Stellantis, and Ford about the financial impact of these tariffs.
In response, Greer articulated that the administration’s strategy aims to reverse decades of outsourcing by providing incentives for companies to reshore manufacturing to the U.S. He cited significant investment commitments from corporations as evidence of the effectiveness of the tariff approach, despite acknowledging the immediate impacts on corporate profits.
Discussing the specifics of trade relations with Canada, Greer explained the rationale behind increasing tariffs to 35%, despite the moderate percentage of Canadian exports affected.
He justified the decision as a necessary response to retaliatory measures taken by Canada, emphasizing the President’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of U.S. trade actions.
Brennan questioned the strategic wisdom of this approach, considering it comes amid ongoing free trade negotiations. Greer remained confident that these tariffs would not hinder potential agreements, stating that the administration is seeking to address the overall trading system to ensure fair terms.
Further dimensions of the interview included discussions about geopolitical factors influencing tariff implementation. Brennan highlighted President Trump’s remarks regarding Canada’s stance on Palestine and the influence of such matters on trade negotiations.
In response, Greer reiterated the President’s authority to enact sanctions or tariffs based on national interests and geopolitical concerns. He distinguished between tariffs and more severe sanctions, noting that tariffs still allow for trade but impose additional costs on certain goods.
The conversation transitioned toward Brazil, where the U.S. has a trade surplus. Greer faced scrutiny as President Trump imposed a substantial 50% tariff on Brazilian goods.
He explained that while there is a reciprocal tariff in place due to the surplus, additional tariffs have been applied under geopolitical circumstances, particularly relating to Brazil’s handling of democratic procedures.
Simultaneously, Greer acknowledged the weight of the President’s statements regarding the ongoing criminal trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This led to questions about the appropriateness of intertwining trade measures with political actions.
Greer defended the President’s actions as a legitimate exercise of authority, driven by concerns over the manipulation of legal processes overseas.
As the interview concluded, Greer informed Brennan about upcoming tariff negotiations with China, indicating that discussions are underway leading up to an August 12 deadline. There is a shared concern among officials regarding the potential reversion of tariffs to above 80% if agreements are not reached.
Despite challenges, Greer expressed optimism about the trajectory of U.S.-China trade relations, highlighting positive engagements at various levels and searching for common ground over key materials like rare earth minerals.
The dialogue reflects the complexities of U.S. trade policy under President Trump, balancing strategic economic interests with broader geopolitical concerns.
image source from：cbsnews
