Greer says U.S. trade deals now cover over 40% of goods trade as Canada talks remain unresolved
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said new reciprocal-trade deals broaden market-access commitments while technical discussions with Canada continue without resolution.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Oct. 2 that the Trump administration’s reciprocal-trade agreements now cover more than 40% of U.S. goods trade. Speaking after the G20 trade ministers’ meeting in Milwaukee, Greer said the administration had concluded 10 reciprocal-trade agreements and nine joint statements, while negotiations with other partners were still under way. [1]
Greer characterized the agreements as a mechanism for reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers facing U.S. industrial and agricultural exports, as well as for reinforcing supply chains and economic security. Those are assertions by the U.S. trade representative rather than a quantified account of tariff reductions, implementation dates or trade flows attributable to individual agreements. [1]
Automotive market access featured prominently in Greer’s examples. He said 14 countries had agreed to recognize U.S. motor-vehicle standards, a step he said would make it easier for U.S. vehicles to reach foreign markets. He also cited commitments by 10 countries to accept U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals for new medicines and by 52 countries not to levy duties on electronic transmissions. [1]
For Canada, the remarks provide no indication that bilateral differences have been resolved. Greer said U.S. and Canadian officials continued to hold technical discussions, but described a small number of outstanding issues as difficult to settle. He said Washington did not object to Canada or other countries pursuing additional export markets, including through engagement with the European Union and India. [1]
Greer also pointed to more than US$1.4 trillion in U.S. goods exports through July and said the country was on course for a record annual goods-export total. The source does not establish how much of that export performance stems from the agreements he described, nor does it identify new Canada-specific commitments arising from the Milwaukee discussions. [1]
The development is significant because the U.S. trade representative reported a broadening network of reciprocal-trade commitments, including recognition of U.S. vehicle standards that could affect competitive conditions in automotive export markets. For Canadian businesses, the immediate implication is continued uncertainty rather than a confirmed new bilateral measure: Greer said technical talks persist but difficult issues remain unresolved. The rating is not higher because the report provides no agreement text, implementation schedule, Canada-specific concession or independently quantified effect on Canadian trade. [1]