The United States has been seeking major structural reforms from China on issues such as intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers. In October, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in principle to a Phase One trade deal that addressed some of those US concerns. Greer served in the Office of the US Trade Representative during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush from 1981 to 1992. He was chief of staff for Lighthizer at the Office of the United States Trade Representative when he worked with Trump on several trade deals as a private lawyer. The hearing lasted two hours, and Senators seemed interested in what Greer had to say. The committee has not set a date for a vote yet.

Donald Trump's Trade Envoy Nominee Supports Universal Tariffs

Washington D.C. - In his confirmation hearing on Thursday, US President Donald Trump's trade envoy nominee Jamieson Greer expressed support for universal tariffs, saying that they were worth studying and considering.

Trump has mentioned the possibility of implementing these across-the-board tariffs on all imports to the United States during his campaign. If confirmed as US Trade Representative, Greer will play a crucial role in implementing President Trump's trade and tariff agenda.

Greer, a trade lawyer and official in Trump's first administration, indicated that a universal tariff could be an effective measure to reverse the direction of the US trade deficit and offshoring. However, he acknowledged that there were concerns over sweeping duties, which could drive up prices.

He raised the possibility of global tariffs in the context of a trade policy memo released on Trump's inauguration day, which called for a report from government agencies by April 1. Greer emphasized that we have a relatively short window of time to restructure the international trading system to better serve US interests.

Greer has served as chief of staff to former Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during his first presidential term. He helped to see through a trade deal between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, Trump announced fresh tariffs on both partners, although talks continue.

Regarding potential trade wars with neighboring countries, Greer said that the action that the president is talking about is about fentanyl, where we don't want another single fentanyl death. He added that Mexico and Canada are willing to come to an agreement on this matter. Trump has cited illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across US borders as a reason for seeking 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

Greer stressed the need for the United States to have a robust manufacturing base and innovation economy, warning that it would have little in the way of hard power to deter conflict and protect Americans otherwise. He also emphasized the importance of having a balanced relationship with China, stating that if China wanted to trade with the US and have healthy economic ties, much of this will need to be premised on fair market access.

If confirmed, Greer said that he would swiftly assess and enforce China's compliance with a Phase One trade deal. The United States introduced tariffs on billions of dollars worth of imports during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. In particular, the Trump administration imposed levies on some $300 billion in Chinese goods as Washington and Beijing engaged in a tit-for-tat tariffs war.

Trump's Trade Representative at the time, Lighthizer, emerged as a strongman in talks as he sought to force changes in Beijing's economic policies.

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