USTR Nominee Says "US Must Be a Producer Nation"... Strong Response Expected to Korean Platform Regulations

Jamison Greer attends Senate confirmation hearing

Jamie Greene, the nominee for the United States Trade Representative (USTR), expressed his belief on the 6th (local time) that "America must become a 'nation of producers'." He also warned of a strong response against moves to regulate monopolies by online platform companies in countries like Korea, stating that such actions are "unacceptable."

At a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing held in Washington D.C. that day, Greene said, "Americans should have the opportunity to hold good-paying jobs producing goods and services that can be sold both domestically and overseas."

This is interpreted as an indication of his intention to restore the declining U.S. manufacturing industry by utilizing tariffs and other measures.

He emphasized, "If the United States does not have a strong manufacturing base and an innovative economy, it will have little 'hard power' to deter global conflicts and protect Americans."

He also expressed his determination to accelerate the reorganization of the international trade order under the banner of America First.

Greene stated, "Trade policy can play a crucial role in ensuring economic security that drives strong national security," adding, "I believe the time to reshape the international trade system to better align with America's interests is relatively short."

When asked about the need to respond to regulatory measures targeting U.S. technology companies by the European Union (EU), Korea, and others, he replied, "I believe we need to do that again."

Greene described the digital sector as "a highly competitive field for the United States" and explained that he understands "we will respond (in kind)" to foreign regulations on American platform companies. He further emphasized, "We should not leave regulation of our companies to other countries like the EU or Brazil," adding, "They cannot discriminate against us, and that will not be tolerated."

This statement is interpreted as a suggestion that strong objections will be raised if countries like Korea regulate U.S. platform companies. Previously, the U.S. business community publicly opposed Korea's Platform Fair Competition Promotion Act, arguing that it targets only American companies while exempting Chinese firms.

Greene served as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, the former USTR representative who led trade policy during the first Trump administration. He was deeply involved in the U.S.-China trade war and the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The USTR is a presidential agency overseeing U.S. trade policy, but earlier, President Trump announced that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross would oversee the country's trade policy.