U.S. Trade Representative Says New Tariffs on Dozens of Partners Imminent

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said July 21 that the administration expects to impose new tariffs on dozens of trading partners in the coming days. Greer told CNBC's Squawk Box that tariff action is imminent but declined to give a precise timeline, citing the need to brief Congress and other stakeholders first.

The comments follow a February decision to apply a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. That measure expires at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday unless Congress extends it. The Section 122 tariff was introduced hours after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier, broader tariff package.

Officials have already begun work on replacement duties. In early June the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative proposed additional tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The new duties target alleged forced-labor practices in supply chains. Greer said the proposed Section 301 tariffs would cover about 99% of U.S. trade. Greer noted that the U.S. maintains laws prohibiting trade in goods made with forced labor, while most other countries either lack such statutes or do not enforce them.

The administration has not indicated whether the new tariffs would replace the expiring 10% levy or operate alongside other duties still in effect. “We expect to see some action soon,” Greer said.