WASHINGTON, Nov 27, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Donald Trump on Tuesday named Jamieson
Greer his trade envoy, a key figure in implementing the president-elect's
economic agenda, particularly his plans to use tariffs to raise revenue and
help bring more manufacturing to US shores.

Trump also picked Kevin Hassett as his top economic advisor, bringing the
former member of his first administration to the helm of the White House
National Economic Council. Hassett is set to help advance Trump's plans too,
ranging from tax cuts to widening energy production.

"Jamieson played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China
and others to combat unfair Trade practices," said Trump of Greer, who served
as chief of staff to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump's
first administration.

He also cited Greer's experience in helping to see through a trade deal
between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Greer is a partner at law firm King & Spalding.

During Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021, the United States introduced
tariffs on billions of dollars worth of imports -- notably on China but also
America's allies.

In particular, the Trump administration imposed levies on some $300 billion
in Chinese goods as Washington and Beijing engaged in an escalating tariff
war.

Lighthizer emerged as a strongman in trade talks as he sought to force
changes in Beijing's economic policies.

If confirmed by the Senate, Greer, who is viewed as Lighthizer's protege,
will be charged with rolling out Trump's tariff policy and negotiating trade
deals.

- Manufacturing return -

Trump on Tuesday lauded Greer's efforts under Lighthizer, saying this helped
bring manufacturing jobs back to America.

As US Trade Representative, Greer is set to work on reining in the country's
trade deficit, protecting American industries and widening export markets,
Trump added.

Trump has vowed sweeping tariffs of at least 10 percent on allies and
adversaries alike, and a steeper level on China.

The aim is to raise government revenue and target countries he said have been
"ripping us off," while pushing businesses to bring production back to US
shores.

Even before he takes office in January, Trump has threatened to begin his
presidency with an immediate trade war against three top US economic
partners: China, Mexico and Canada.

It remains unclear what role Lighthizer might assume in Trump's second term,
but he is expected to remain influential within the president-elect's orbit.

Greer's earlier role at the USTR's office means he was involved in
Washington's decisions to impose tariffs on Beijing in Trump's first term,
and come to a "Phase One" trade deal in 2020.

The deal marked a truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest
economies.

But China has yet to meet its commitments of boosting purchases of American
products and services over 2020 and 2021, as the world grappled with the
Covid-19 pandemic.