Top U.S. Trade Official Jamieson Greer Asserts Trump’s New Tariffs Will Remain Locked In Place

3 August 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a chart next to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer made a pointed declaration on August 3, 2025, affirming that a set of recently imposed tariffs by President Trump is not on the negotiating table despite ongoing discussions with key trading partners. Greer confirmed that these measures, enacted via executive mandate, include fixed duties of 35 percent on Canadian goods, 50 percent on Brazilian imports, 25 percent on Indian shipments, 20 percent on Taiwan, and 39 percent on certain Swiss products yet the administration considers them settled, though a handful of exceptions tied to earlier deals exist.

Greer delivered this message amid a backdrop of broader global division and economic uncertainty. While the administration previously scaled back or modified tariffs in separate deals with the European Union and other partners, Greer emphasized that the latest duties were purposefully calibrated around specific bilateral trade imbalances. Those rates are now considered stable under either existing agreements or Trump’s “reciprocal” trade strategy. The comment underscores a central tenet of Trump’s second presidency: that aggressive trade adjustments serve as a permanent tool in reinforcing U.S. economic leverage.

The announcement follows recent rounds of high-stakes negotiation. Talks with China, currently focused on rare-earth exports and mineral flow agreements, have progressed constructively but remain limited to extensions of existing truce terms. Greer stated that these discussions have made headway, though he remained clear that substantive tariff reduction is not part of the agenda unless tied to comprehensive trade realignments that align with U.S. interests. As such, despite some optimism about diplomacy, the tariffs are not expected to change near term.

Trade tension has already had significant economic impact. The National Restaurant Association warned that the looming tariffs on European and Mexican goods would cost the U.S. restaurant industry as much as $15 billion in the coming year by driving up essential import costs like coffee, beef, and wine. Restaurant chain leaders including Yum Brands and Restaurant Brands International confirmed they have sourced locally to mitigate exposure but echoed concern over price escalation for diners. Greer’s steadfast position now assures the industry that short-term relief is unlikely without lasting policy change.

In Canada a 35 percent non-USMCA tariff took effect August 1, prompting officials to raise alarms. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has stated that senior conversations between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump are expected soon. While LeBlanc avoids concessional tones, he expressed cautious optimism that economic confidence might still be restored. Despite the Canadian government’s desire to resolve the dispute, Greer’s tone signals that the window for diplomatic adjustment has largely closed unless Canada delivers significant policy shifts.

So far, there is no indication that major U.S. industrial or tech firms will receive retailion-style exemptions. A previously paused 30 percent tariff on EU and Mexican goods is on schedule to be reinstated with limited carve-outs, and Greert said these new duties are not subject to immediate renegotiation. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative continue discussing long-term frameworks with export-dependent economies, but the current salvo of tariffs will remain in force unless tied to broader reciprocal agreements negotiated in locked timelines.

Greer’s remarks come at a time when markets are jittery. Investors fear mounting Fed rate-cut expectations and a precipitous impact on growth. The dollar has weakened modestly, Treasury yields have plummeted, and gold continues rallying spot gold briefly trading above $3,400 as global trade uncertainty drives capital toward haven assets. Citi’s revised gold forecast rising to $3,500 per ounce reflects concerns that prolonged trade friction may upend growth without clear political exit strategies.

Trade analysts view Greer’s comments as part of a broader posture. His tenure, which began in late February 2025, is defined by firm adherence to Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” philosophy and a reluctance to dilute protectionist momentum. While Greer retains good-faith engagement with dozens of countries seeking fresh dialogue, he has made clear that most of the new tariffs are conditions the White House will insist on. Efforts to rollback these specific duties would require major alignment from trading partners or new trade compacts negotiated in short order.

The next major test will come in Congress and courts as trade groups, state representatives, and multinational firms assess whether existing exemption frameworks like USMCA are sufficient to counteract ongoing risks. For widespread export industries and fragile consumer sectors, Greer’s message is stark reminders that tariff fatigue and political momentum remain stronger than any short‑term sigh of relief. While allied trade talks continue, the idea that the tariffs were a temporary blip has faded. Tariffs appear to have anchored themselves deeper into U.S. policy for at least the rest of 2025.