US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that America’s trade agreements with the European Union, China, and other partners will remain in effect despite the recent US Supreme Court decision invalidating some tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.
“We are actively engaging with our trading partners. We want them to understand these are good agreements, and we expect them to be respected. We are confident our partners will comply,” Greer told CBS.
Earlier, the Supreme Court struck down the so-called “retaliatory” tariffs, ruling that imposing them requires Congressional approval, even though the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the president broad authority during emergencies.
Following the ruling, Trump signed a new executive order imposing a 10% global tariff, later raised to 15%, set to take effect on 24 February for 150 days, with some exemptions.
In another interview with ABC, Greer emphasized that the planned April meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aims not to spark a trade conflict but to maintain stability and enforce existing agreements.
“The goal is to ensure both sides uphold commitments, including purchasing US goods like agricultural products and Boeing planes, and supplying critical rare metals,” Greer said.
He acknowledged that IEEPA gives the White House greater flexibility than other legal mechanisms, but stressed that the administration will continue to act within the legal framework to protect US trade interests.
