U.S. Trade Representative Dismisses Economic Impact of New Tariffs

While these new duties cover 99.4% of U.S. imports, Greer emphasized that the rates remain consistent with recent global trade measures. Speaking on Fox News, he characterized the potential influence on the economy as negligible, noting that the scope is narrower than the previous universal 10% tariff model.

Beyond these specific levies, the administration is deepening its scrutiny of global trade practices through a Section 301 investigation. This probe targets the industrial capacities of 16 major partners, including China, Vietnam, Mexico, and the European Union. Greer defended the use of this authority under the Trade Act of 1974, framing it as a standard tool for addressing what the government defines as unjust international trade conduct.