Feb 27 2025 3 mins
In the last few days, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been at the forefront of several significant developments in U.S. trade policy. On February 21, 2025, President Trump ordered a series of actions to implement the America First Trade Policy, which was announced on January 20, 2025. One of the key steps involves the USTR initiating a notice and comment process to gather input from interested parties on proposed "reciprocal tariffs." This process is part of a broader effort to address non-reciprocal trading arrangements and reduce the U.S. trade deficit. The USTR will review the impact of foreign tariffs, taxes, non-tariff barriers, and exchange rates on the U.S. economy to determine the equivalent of a reciprocal tariff for each foreign trading partner[1][4].
Another significant action involves addressing China's practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The USTR is seeking comments on potential trade actions to counter what was found to be China's targeting of these sectors for dominance. This initiative follows findings from the Biden Administration under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Written comments are due by March 24, 2025, and a hearing on the matter will be held on the same day, with requests to appear at the hearing due by March 10, 2025[1][5].
In addition, the USTR, in collaboration with the Treasury Department, Commerce, and the White House advisor on trade and manufacturing, has been directed to formulate and impose tariffs and other measures in response to foreign countries' digital services taxes. This move aims to counter practices that are seen as hindering the success of American digital services companies and imposing unfair costs and barriers on American businesses. Reports and recommendations on these issues are due to the President by April 1, 2025[1].
On a separate note, the Senate recently confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new U.S. Trade Representative. Greer, a trade lawyer who previously served as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer during the previous Trump administration, steps into the role at a critical time for American agriculture and trade. Various U.S. agriculture groups have congratulated Greer, expressing confidence in his ability to advance the U.S. trade agenda and address unfair trading practices[3].
These recent developments highlight the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing U.S. trade policies, particularly in areas such as reciprocal tariffs, addressing unfair trade practices by other countries, and protecting American industries from foreign taxes and barriers. As the USTR continues to navigate these complex trade issues, its actions are likely to have significant implications for various sectors of the U.S. economy.
Another significant action involves addressing China's practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The USTR is seeking comments on potential trade actions to counter what was found to be China's targeting of these sectors for dominance. This initiative follows findings from the Biden Administration under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Written comments are due by March 24, 2025, and a hearing on the matter will be held on the same day, with requests to appear at the hearing due by March 10, 2025[1][5].
In addition, the USTR, in collaboration with the Treasury Department, Commerce, and the White House advisor on trade and manufacturing, has been directed to formulate and impose tariffs and other measures in response to foreign countries' digital services taxes. This move aims to counter practices that are seen as hindering the success of American digital services companies and imposing unfair costs and barriers on American businesses. Reports and recommendations on these issues are due to the President by April 1, 2025[1].
On a separate note, the Senate recently confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new U.S. Trade Representative. Greer, a trade lawyer who previously served as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer during the previous Trump administration, steps into the role at a critical time for American agriculture and trade. Various U.S. agriculture groups have congratulated Greer, expressing confidence in his ability to advance the U.S. trade agenda and address unfair trading practices[3].
These recent developments highlight the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing U.S. trade policies, particularly in areas such as reciprocal tariffs, addressing unfair trade practices by other countries, and protecting American industries from foreign taxes and barriers. As the USTR continues to navigate these complex trade issues, its actions are likely to have significant implications for various sectors of the U.S. economy.