In the past week, the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, has been at the forefront of a series of significant developments in U.S. trade policy. Greer, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year and now leads President Trump’s robust “America First” trade agenda, has remained central in addressing ongoing challenges and negotiating new agreements on the global stage.
Recent headlines have focused on Greer’s response to China’s implementation of a trade détente reached earlier this month. During public interviews and press appearances, Greer expressed sharp concerns about what he described as China “slow-rolling” its compliance with the agreements made, signaling that the U.S. expects more rapid and meaningful action from Beijing. This stance reflects the administration’s larger goals of holding trade partners accountable and securing reciprocal treatment for American products and innovation.
On May 31, Greer’s office announced the extension of certain exclusions from the China Section 301 tariffs, a move intended to provide domestic businesses relief while the administration continues to monitor foreign compliance and consider further actions. Just days prior, the USTR had invited public comment on measures against foreign nations accused of “freeloading” on American-financed innovation, indicating a renewed focus on protecting U.S. intellectual property and maintaining a competitive technological edge.
Another major storyline was the historic agreement in principle reached between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, which Greer highlighted as a major achievement for both economies. The deal, which has drawn broad praise, aims to reduce trade barriers, expand market access, and set new standards for digital trade and small business cooperation. As part of the ongoing U.S.-UK partnership, Greer’s team recently hosted the ninth United States-United Kingdom Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise Dialogue in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on practical support for businesses navigating post-Brexit transatlantic commerce.
Internationally, Greer has been active in convening meetings with key trade partners, including economic officials from Switzerland and Japan. In Switzerland, he discussed deepening bilateral engagement on sustainable trade practices and advanced manufacturing. With Japan, talks centered on economic revitalization and ensuring continued collaboration under the U.S.-Japan digital trade framework.
Back home, Greer has faced congressional scrutiny as he defended the administration’s sweeping imposition of “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. He characterized the strategy as a necessary course correction, noting that dozens of countries have approached the U.S. to negotiate tariff reductions and new market access. Greer emphasized that while progress will not be immediate, these reciprocal tariff policies are already driving new investment and job creation in critical domestic industries, especially automotive manufacturing.
Throughout these negotiations and public appearances, Greer has stressed the administration’s commitment to combating unfair foreign trade practices, lowering the U.S. trade deficit, and restoring balance to American trading relationships. His approach, shaped by his prior experience as Chief of Staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer and in private legal practice, reinforces the U.S. position that meaningful trade reform requires both tough negotiation and active enforcement.
As the global landscape continues to shift, Greer’s leadership and the evolving agenda at the USTR remain central to debates over tariffs, market access, and the long-term direction of U.S. economic strategy.
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