Jamieson Greer Speaks to Fox News
U.S. Has Multiple Backup Plans to Enforce Tariffs
Jamieson Greer, the representative of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), stated on August 31 (local time) that "regardless of whatever temporary ruling the court may issue, people from various countries are continuing negotiations," in response to the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration were illegal.
In an interview with Fox News, Greer said, "Our trading partners are continuing to negotiate very closely with us," reiterating this point.
He also revealed that, immediately after the court's decision the previous morning, he had engaged in negotiations with trade ministers from other countries, though he did not specify which countries were involved.
Previously, on August 29, the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the reciprocal tariff measures imposed by President Trump based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. Since President Trump immediately announced his intention to appeal, the final decision on the legality of tariffs based on the IEEPA is expected to be made by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, which is composed of nine justices, currently has a 6-3 conservative majority, with six justices appointed by Republican administrations.
However, the Trump administration can still enforce tariffs based on several other legal grounds in addition to the IEEPA. These include Section 122 of the Trade Act, which allows for the imposition of up to a 15% tariff for a maximum of 150 days in the event of a trade deficit; Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which is based on national security; Section 301 of the Trade Act and Section 338 of the Tariff Act, which address unfair trade practices.
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