Top US trade official confirms agreements with EU, China and others remain in force following a court ruling that struck down presidential tariffs.
NEW YORK: US trade deals with the European Union, China and other partners remain in force despite a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the ongoing validity of the agreements on Sunday.
“So we’re having active conversations with them. We want them to understand that these deals are going to be good deals,” Greer said on the CBS program “Face the Nation”. He added that the US expects to stand by the deals and expects its partners to do the same.
European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde expressed uncertainty about the consequences of the US court decision during the same show. She said she hopes the situation will be clarified and that future proposals will comply with the constitution and the law.
Greer stated that a planned April meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is “not to fight about trade”. He said the meeting aims to maintain stability and ensure China holds up its end of their deal regarding purchases of American products.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday that the president had exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers act. The court stated Congress must give its approval for such actions.
Trump reacted by announcing a new 10% global duty on imports under a different legal authority. He subsequently raised the tariff to 15% on Saturday, with the measure set to take effect on Tuesday for 150 days and include exemptions for some products.
Greer emphasised that Congress has delegated enormous tariff-setting authority to the president over the years. He clarified that tariffs imposed outside the authority struck down by the court remain in effect.
When asked about Trump’s decision to quickly raise the new tariff, Greer said 15% was the top level the president was allowed by law. He defended the president’s aggressive use of tariffs despite polls showing most Americans disapprove of the policy.
“The president has been campaigning on tariffs and protecting American industry for many years, and he does what he says, he delivers on his promises,” Greer said.
The Sun Malaysia
