US Trade Advisor Confirms Tariffs Are Mostly Final, Defends Politically Motivated Measures

The new US tariffs are largely finalized, leaving little room for immediate negotiations, according to Donald Trump's trade advisor, who also defended the administration's politically motivated tariffs against Brazil. President Trump has employed tariffs as a strategic economic tool, setting rates between 10% and 41% on various countries, including the European Union, with these changes scheduled to take effect by August 7. In an interview aired on CBS's "Face the Nation," US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that tariff levels are largely predetermined, stating, "these rates are pretty much set" and are based on existing agreements and trade balances. While some trade officials wish to renegotiate, the current structure reflects the administration's broader tariff strategy. Last week, Trump announced increased tariffs on numerous trading partners, delaying implementation from August 1 to August 7. Notably, Brazil faces a 50% tariff on exports to the US, with exemptions for key products like aircraft and orange juice. Trump has openly cited retaliatory motives, accusing Brazil of political misconduct linked to prosecuting his ally Jair Bolsonaro, which he describes a...