USTR expects new Section 301 probes to cover most major trading partners
Greer said the administration is confident that all trade deals negotiated by President Donald Trump will remain in effect after the Supreme Court on Friday struck down tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
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The Trump administration has warned foreign trading partners and businesses for months that it would use alternative means to address their trade concerns if the IEEPA tariffs were lifted.
“Our partners have been responsive and negotiated and reached agreements in good faith despite the ongoing litigation, and we are confident that all trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will remain in effect,” Greer said.
The Supreme Court decision only affects Trump’s so-called reciprocal and fentanyl tariffs, he said, adding that sweeping tariffs imposed under other laws remain in effect.
The Council on Foreign Relations announced that the administration has made framework trade agreements with a dozen countries and signed agreements with seven more.
On Friday, Trump imposed a temporary 10% global import tax for 150 days and said he would order USTR to open new investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, but did not provide details.
Greer said new investigations could cover areas ranging from industrial overcapacity and forced labor to drug pricing and discrimination against U.S. tech companies and digital products.
Greer added that other areas of focus could include digital services taxes, ocean pollution and trade practices on seafood, rice and other products.
USTR is planning an expedited time frame for investigations, he said, adding that tariffs are a tool that can be used if unfair trade practices are uncovered.
Greer said his office will continue Section 301 investigations involving Brazil and China, which could lead to tariffs if unfair trade practices are found.
