The US Commerce Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said the country is “advancing very fast in tariff negotiations” with several countries amid efforts to “rebalance foreign trade”.
Speaking to Congress, Greer pointed out that tariff measures represent the “greatest change in US history trade since we left China, unfortunately, enter the WTO [Organização Mundial do Comércio]”.
One of the outbreaks of criticism was Brazil, with whom the US has “great commercial deficit in ethanol”.
Greer stressed that the “fees that Brazil charges on ethanol are much higher than we charge,” but pondered that the problem “will not be resolved overnight, but we are on the way.” An earlier statement from the White House already mentioned the Brazilian ethanol: “Brazil (18%) imposes tariffs higher than the US (2.5%)”.
About negotiations with other countries, the counselor cited conversations with the United Kingdom, which “wants to work and reaching a deal with us.”
He also stated that “many countries understood the problems of Trump’s commercial deficit,” which has made clear his willingness to dialogue, he said.
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Greer stressed that President Donald Trump seeks to “bring back industrial production to the country”. About drugs, he confirmed: “Trump already said it will impose” tariffs.
Asked if the measures will be permanent, he replied that “Trump is negotiating”, and stressed that the tariffs were applied to “all countries”, not just those with surplus, when questioned by one of the parliamentarians.
About Russia, Greer recalled that there are already “great commercial sanctions” in force, but said that “I will advise, but Trump will decide” about possible tariff increases. As for North Korea, he justified the absence of tariffs: “We have no business relationships with them.”
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Greer classified the commercial deficit as “a national emergency,” but expressed optimism: “We are in a difficult time, but positive changes.”
