In an interview broadcast on the 3rd local time, US Trade Representative Greer stated that the new US tariff rates are "basically set," with almost no room for immediate negotiations on the matter, and it is unlikely that the new tariffs will be reduced in subsequent talks.
In a pre-recorded interview aired Sunday by CBS, US Trade Representative Greer said, "These tariffs are pretty much the final decision."
When asked about the possibility of negotiating to lower these new tariff rates, Greer said that negotiations are unlikely to occur in the "next few days."
Last Thursday, US President Trump signed an order setting the new tariffs, which will affect dozens of countries, with rates ranging from 10% to 41%. These new tariffs will take effect on August 7.
Products from the EU, Japan, or South Korea will face a 15% tariff, products from the UK will face 10%, Indonesia and Malaysia 19%, and India 25%.
Additionally, Trump’s chief economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, said Sunday on NBC that for the eight economies which have reached agreements with the US, including the EU and Japan, the tariffs are "more or less fixed." But for other trade partners that have not reached an agreement, "we expect negotiations to continue."
These tariffs are also a means for Trump to exert political pressure. Brazil is viewed as culpable by the White House occupant due to the prosecution of its far-right ally, former President Bolsonaro, and products from Brazil entering the US will be subject to a 50% tariff.
Greer also explained why Trump is imposing such a high tariff rate on Brazil. He said, "The President pointed out that, like some other countries, Brazil has abused the law and democracy. Therefore, using these (tariff) tools to address geopolitical issues is normal."