Greer urges G20 to back Trump tariff agenda, takes aim at China
SPY•U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urged G20 economies to address industrial overcapacity and re-examine the post-World War Two tariff system, while arguing against using food trade coercively. He said the Most Favored Nation principle can constrain responses to trade distortions.
1. Greer outlines trade priorities
At a G20 trade ministers meeting, Greer called for major economies to refrain from coercive actions on food trade, tackle industrial overcapacity and re-examine the post-World War Two tariff system. He said the Trump administration aims to revive American manufacturing through tariffs, trade deals and measures to secure critical supply chains.
2. Debate over tariffs and trade
Greer said production expanded beyond domestic demand can pressure producers and workers in other countries. He argued that unconditional Most Favored Nation treatment can constrain economies’ ability to respond to distortive policies, and defended U.S. tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union over alleged lax enforcement against forced labor. China has rejected claims that its industrial policies created excess capacity.
3. Canada pursues other deals
Canada’s trade minister for non-U.S. trade, Maninder Sidhu, was due to meet India’s Piyush Goyal as the countries pursue a trade deal by year end. Sidhu said Canada’s non-U.S. trade rose 17%, or $33 billion, over the past year.
