[News Figures] Peter Navarro to Lead Trump’s Second Term Trade and Tariff Agenda

As the 'US-China trade conflict' is expected to reignite under the second Trump administration, attention is focused on 'Peter Navarro,' who will lead the future US manufacturing, tariff, and trade agenda.

Peter Navarro, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the White House senior advisor for trade and manufacturing, holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and served as a professor at the University of California, Irvine. He served as the director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy during Trump’s first term. A staunch protectionist, Navarro has consistently advocated for strong tariff policies in the US-China trade relationship, leading the trade war against China with tariff increases during Trump’s first administration.

Yonhap News

Domestic companies with high export dependence on the US and China are estimated to have suffered losses amounting to 3.9 trillion won due to the global trade contraction caused by the US-China conflict at that time. The second Trump administration is expected to pursue even stronger America First policies, raising concerns that Korean companies may once again become collateral damage in the conflict between the two giants. This is why Navarro’s leadership in trade and tariff policies is being closely watched.

Trump’s post on social media on December 4, when he appointed Navarro, reflects his trust in him. Trump stated, "During my first term, no one was more effective or persistent than Peter in enforcing two sacred principles: buy American products and hire Americans." He also said, "He helped renegotiate unfair trade agreements like NAFTA and the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and swiftly implemented all tariff and trade-related measures," adding, "His mission is to successfully advance and communicate the manufacturing, tariff, and trade agenda." Accordingly, Navarro is expected to bring changes to the global trade environment in a way that maximizes US interests during Trump’s second term.

Especially with Trump’s announcement to raise tariffs on Chinese trade up to 60%, Navarro, known as a 'tariff advocate' and 'Trump loyalist,' is expected to faithfully implement this policy under the banner of 'trade balance.' Some expect that high tariffs on Chinese products could create opportunities for Korean companies to replace Chinese products in the US market. However, there is also the possibility that the US may expand tariffs to countries other than China under the pretext of addressing trade imbalances. Furthermore, China may retaliate with export bans on materials and tariff bombs against the US, which could damage Korea’s export industries across the board, including automobiles, steel, and home appliances.