Mar 09 2025 3 mins
In the last few days, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been at the forefront of several significant trade policy developments, reflecting the Trump Administration's aggressive stance on international trade.
President Trump has directed the USTR to renew tariff investigations initiated during his first term, targeting countries that impose digital services taxes on American tech companies. This move is part of a broader effort to address what the administration sees as unfair trade practices. The USTR is currently accepting public comments until March 11 on proposed reciprocal tariffs against all trading partners, with a report due by April 1 and tariffs expected to take effect on April 2[2][4].
The USTR is also focusing on China, with President Trump recently increasing tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, citing China's insufficient enforcement against illicit synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. China has retaliated with additional tariffs on various U.S. agricultural goods and other products, effective March 10, 2025. Furthermore, the Trump Administration is drafting plans to expand restrictions on China's chip industry, including potential restrictions on engineers from companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV from maintaining semiconductor equipment in China[1][4].
In another significant move, the USTR is seeking comments on how to implement findings from the Biden Administration that China has been engaged in practices targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Comments are due by March 24, with a hearing scheduled on the same day to discuss these issues[2].
The USTR has also announced a proposal to impose new fees on Chinese shipping companies and vessels entering U.S. ports, a response to a probe initiated under the Biden Administration. This proposal is open to public comments until a March 24 hearing[1][2].
Additionally, the Trump Administration has reinstated 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12, 2025, with exemptions for Canada, Mexico, the EU, and Japan set to end. This decision is likely to prompt retaliatory measures from affected trading partners unless new agreements or quotas are negotiated[4].
On the regional front, President Trump has confirmed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, although there is a one-month exemption for autos coming through the USMCA to allow companies like Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors to adjust their production lines. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs, while Mexico is considering its response[4].
USTR Jamieson Greer recently delivered President Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2024 Annual Report to Congress, outlining the administration’s vision for rebalancing trade to address economic and national security challenges. The agenda emphasizes the importance of the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum in protecting American workers and businesses[5].
These actions underscore the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing the Trump Administration's trade policies, which are characterized by a strong emphasis on reciprocity and a willingness to impose tariffs to address perceived trade imbalances and unfair practices.
President Trump has directed the USTR to renew tariff investigations initiated during his first term, targeting countries that impose digital services taxes on American tech companies. This move is part of a broader effort to address what the administration sees as unfair trade practices. The USTR is currently accepting public comments until March 11 on proposed reciprocal tariffs against all trading partners, with a report due by April 1 and tariffs expected to take effect on April 2[2][4].
The USTR is also focusing on China, with President Trump recently increasing tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, citing China's insufficient enforcement against illicit synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. China has retaliated with additional tariffs on various U.S. agricultural goods and other products, effective March 10, 2025. Furthermore, the Trump Administration is drafting plans to expand restrictions on China's chip industry, including potential restrictions on engineers from companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV from maintaining semiconductor equipment in China[1][4].
In another significant move, the USTR is seeking comments on how to implement findings from the Biden Administration that China has been engaged in practices targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Comments are due by March 24, with a hearing scheduled on the same day to discuss these issues[2].
The USTR has also announced a proposal to impose new fees on Chinese shipping companies and vessels entering U.S. ports, a response to a probe initiated under the Biden Administration. This proposal is open to public comments until a March 24 hearing[1][2].
Additionally, the Trump Administration has reinstated 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12, 2025, with exemptions for Canada, Mexico, the EU, and Japan set to end. This decision is likely to prompt retaliatory measures from affected trading partners unless new agreements or quotas are negotiated[4].
On the regional front, President Trump has confirmed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, although there is a one-month exemption for autos coming through the USMCA to allow companies like Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors to adjust their production lines. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs, while Mexico is considering its response[4].
USTR Jamieson Greer recently delivered President Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2024 Annual Report to Congress, outlining the administration’s vision for rebalancing trade to address economic and national security challenges. The agenda emphasizes the importance of the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum in protecting American workers and businesses[5].
These actions underscore the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing the Trump Administration's trade policies, which are characterized by a strong emphasis on reciprocity and a willingness to impose tariffs to address perceived trade imbalances and unfair practices.