US trade chief says Trump's tariff rates 'pretty much set'

ISTANBUL

US trade representative Jamieson Greer on Sunday said that President Donald Trump's newly announced tariff rates are "pretty much set," with little prospect for immediate negotiation.

"I don't think they will be in the coming days," Greer told CBS when asked about potential rate reductions. "A lot of these are set rates pursuant to deals ... these tariff rates are pretty much set."

Greer defended increasing Canada's tariffs from 25% to 35% after Ottawa imposed retaliatory measures, noting that only Canada has retaliated against US tariffs besides China.

"If the president is going to take an action and the Canadians retaliate, the United States needs to maintain the integrity of our action," he said.

On Brazil's 50% tariffs despite a US trade surplus, Greer cited two separate regimes: a 10% reciprocal tariff and 40% under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for "geopolitical issues" regarding the South American country.

Regarding the extension of the pause on tariffs against China, Greer expressed optimism: "Our conversations with the Chinese have been very positive. We're working on some technical issues ... I think it's going in a positive direction."

Following recent meetings held in Stockholm, Sweden, the Chinese officials announced that the two sides had agreed to extend the deadline for the trade agreement, which was due to expire on Aug. 12, but the Americans stated that this would require Trump's approval.