US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told members of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, 22 July that the Trump administration is deploying tariffs as deliberate leverage to pry open foreign markets, tighten enforcement, and accelerate the reindustrialisation of the American economy. Greer framed the approach as a new US trade doctrine — one built on reciprocal agreements backed by sustained tariff pressure rather than goodwill alone.

The Core Argument: Tariffs as Negotiating Tools

Greer was explicit that tariffs serve a dual purpose in the administration's playbook. “We are committed to continuing to use tariffs and to negotiate deals to support the reindustrialisation of our economy, protect American workers and increase their wages and shrink our trade deficit,” he told senators.

He pushed back firmly against characterisations of tariffs as purely punitive, arguing they are instruments designed to secure better market access for American businesses and workers. “Trade enforcement… means tariffs,” he said, adding that even where formal dispute settlement mechanisms exist, tariffs remain the ultimate enforcement backstop.

19 Deals, 32% of Global GDP

Greer claimed the administration had concluded 19 framework or reciprocal trade deals covering 32% of global gross domestic product. He cited the agreement with Indonesia as a concrete example, describing it as “substantive” and including tariff schedules. “I have a dozen more deals like this,” he added.

Among the countries cited: Cambodia had “already removed all of its tariffs” on US goods; North Macedonia had also eliminated tariffs; Malaysia was preparing to reduce all tariffs to zero and dismantle long-standing non-tariff barriers; Indonesia was expected to implement its commitments later this year; and Jordan had already signed a new agreement.

On major partners, Greer said Israel had accepted American product standards, while the European Union had lowered industrial tariffs to zero and expanded tariff-rate quotas for US agricultural exports.

Export Records and Shifting Import Mix

Greer argued the strategy was already delivering measurable outcomes. “Everyone said trade would collapse. We’ve never exported as much as we are now,” he said, claiming record American export volumes since the tariff-heavy approach took hold.

He also highlighted a shift in the composition of US imports — away from consumer goods and toward machinery and equipment needed to expand domestic manufacturing capacity. “The United States has not stopped trading with the world, but the composition of that trade has changed in a way that benefits Americans,” Greer said.

Democratic Pushback

Democratic lawmakers strongly disputed the administration’s claims during the hearing, arguing that tariffs had driven up costs for American consumers and businesses while generating uncertainty for farmers and manufacturers. Greer rejected those criticisms, maintaining that the strategy had expanded exports, reduced the trade deficit, and attracted new manufacturing investment into the United States.

What Comes Next

Greer signalled that enforcement would remain central to the administration’s posture going forward. “As long as I’m here, you can count on me to use whatever tools I have, whether it’s Section 301 or other tools, to enforce these agreements,” he told senators. Countries that have signed deals are expected to implement their commitments, with tariffs remaining the consequence of non-compliance.