US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the Future of Trade Policy

·39 min·3 clips

Ambassador Jameson Greer reveals how Trump's trade doctrine is measured by a surprising metric: manufacturing revival.

John Walters, President of Hudson Institute, introduces Ambassador Jameson Greer, who played a central role in shaping Trump's trade policy. Peter Rao, Hudson Senior Fellow, moderates the fireside chat. Greer opens by emphasizing manufacturing as a key metric for trade success, noting recent growth in manufacturing activity and jobs. He cites U.S. exports reaching over $300 billion in January and February 2025, a historic high. Greer then critiques the WTO's MC24 meeting in Cameroon, where a moratorium on digital tariffs failed due to opposition from Brazil and Turkey, warning of the WTO's declining relevance. On China, Greer describes the trade relationship as 'stable' but reveals discussions on a 'board of trade' to manage goods flows and address a $130 billion reduction in the U.S. trade deficit with China. He details U.S. efforts on critical minerals, including an action plan with Mexico and a proposed 'price floor' to prevent Chinese dumping. Greer addresses the National Trade Estimate Report, highlighting Chinese barriers on critical minerals. He discusses operationalizing the National Security Strategy through reciprocal trade agreements with provisions on economic security. The EU's role in WTO reform is noted, with Greer referencing an op-ed by Slovak Commissioner Mara Sefcovic that aligns with U.S. views. Digital trade tensions with the EU are explored, including the Digital Markets Act and potential U.S. enforcement actions. Greer comments on USMCA review, citing stakeholder demands for changes and Trump's dissatisfaction with outcomes like increased car imports from Mexico. He outlines plans for separate protocols with Canada and Mexico. Audience questions cover pharmaceutical supply chains, overcapacity coalitions, and reporting processes for foreign discrimination against U.S. companies. Greer concludes by noting Japanese and South Korean FDI commitments in critical sectors.

As heard by us

A policy-focused conversation on reciprocal trade, WTO reform, and the security logic behind U.S. trade agreements.

Ambassador Greer's Hudson conversation frames the Trump administration's trade policy as economic security rather than a list of tariff rates.

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Why you'd press play

You get reciprocal trade, economic security, and WTO reform with the Hudson fireside-chat furniture still attached.

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