As USTR Greer, who possesses extensive experience in trade policy, is set to spearhead the nation’s trade negotiations and policies under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The appointment comes prior to the potential implementation of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. The tariff is scheduled to come into force from 4 March 2025.
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Greer said: “President Trump recognises the role unfair trade practices have played in offshoring American jobs and harming our national security.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, I will work strategically to address unfair trade practices, open new markets, tackle our record trade deficit, and restore America’s ability to become a country of producers. I look forward to building off the many successes from President Trump’s first term to lead USTR in executing a robust trade agenda that puts America First.”
Previously serving as chief of staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s initial term, Greer played a pivotal role in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and in negotiations with China.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) welcomed Greer’s confirmation, highlighting his veteran status as a trade attorney and his commendable public service record.
AAFA president And CEO Steve Lamar said: “We look forward to partnering with Ambassador Greer, and the team at USTR, to develop and implement a robust, smart, and effective trade policy that works for American workers, American farmers, American families, and the American economy.
“The Office of the US Trade Representative is a critical agency, and this position is much needed in a time of trade turbulence and trade policy re-assessments. We look forward to Greer’s insights on the benefits of trade for the economy and why we must encourage bipartisan support to champion global trade, including both the crucial exports of US goods and the imports of diverse and ethically-made products.
“In particular, we look forward to opportunities to address benefits of incentivising investment in key regions to generate long-term prosperity and stability and mitigate illegal migration. Textile and apparel manufacturing are great examples of industries that have the potential to generate immense economic opportunities and bring stability through partnerships between US communities and those in Central America, Haiti, and Africa, for example. We will look to Ambassador Greer’s ability to inspire and lead to help reinvigorate Congress to reactivate and renew beneficial trade agreements and trade preference programmes that leverage US economic objectives while promoting predictable market access.”
In January this year, the USTR released its inaugural ‘Trade Strategy to Combat Forced Labor’, a detailed plan for deploying trade mechanisms to fight forced labour practices.
