U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated on Sunday that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping “currently have no plans” to communicate amid a growing trade conflict between the two nations.
“Since April 2, we’ve seen things at the leadership level, and at some future point, as President Trump mentioned, we anticipate that a discussion will occur,” Greer shared during an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
On what Mr. Trump referred to as “Liberation Day” on April 2, the president declared that the U.S. would initiate a minimum 10% tariff on goods imported from all countries, along with increased “reciprocal tariffs” on nations imposing tariffs on U.S. exports. Shortly after these tariffs took effect, Mr. Trump declared a 90-day pause on most of his new tariffs following a significant drop in U.S. and global financial markets. Concurrently, the president announced an increase in the tariff rate on imports from China to 125%, with a 20% fentanyl tariff pushing Mr. Trump’s overall tariffs on China to 145%.
In response, China announced on Friday that it would increase tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125%, claiming in a statement that the U.S. imposition of tariffs contravenes international economic and trade regulations, while labeling the escalating tariffs as a “joke.”
Amid ongoing discussions regarding reducing tensions between the two nations, Greer emphasized that the president is focused on revitalizing American manufacturing and trade within a broader global context. Greer asserted, “The only reason we’re in this situation is that China opted to retaliate.”
“Many other countries have expressed that they do not wish to retaliate—’we want to negotiate with the Americans,'” Greer explained. “In contrast, the Chinese made a different choice… It was a decision on their part. They possess agency in this matter.”
When queried about whether the U.S. is ready for the possibility of China liquidating its assets in the United States, Greer responded that “we’ve become overly reliant on China” and noted the lack of fair market access for decades.
“We observe China taking measures to implement their strategy for reducing dependence on us as well. Thus, it’s unsurprising to see them making these types of decisions,” Greer remarked, adding that “we must be prepared on our side to ensure a resilient economy.”
In response to questions about what would follow the 90-day pause and whether it provided sufficient time for negotiations with 70 nations, Greer indicated that discussions had been ongoing since prior to the announcement of tariffs, “as everyone was aware that tariffs were forthcoming.”
“The truth is, we’re working tirelessly, day and night, exchanging documents, receiving proposals, and providing feedback to these countries concerning how they can better achieve reciprocal trade with the United States,” Greer concluded.
