Donald Trump tariffs: US advisor rules out talks; says rates are ‘pretty much set’

US President Donald Trump’s trade advisor Jamieson Greer has said the new American tariff rates are “pretty much set” with limited scope for negotiation, defending the Trump administration’s latest round of levies, including harsh duties on Brazil.In a pre-recorded interview aired on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, US trade representative Greer said the rates were mostly determined by previously announced or confidential deals. “A lot of these are set rates pursuant to deals… others depend on the level of the trade deficit or surplus we may have with the country,” he explained.As per news agency AFP, Greer further noted that while some countries might still seek dialogue, the administration had reached a point where “we’re seeing truly the contours of the president’s tariff plan right now with these rates.”The newly announced tariffs, unveiled last Thursday, will take effect on August 7 instead of the earlier proposed August 1 deadline. The move allows more time for US Customs and Border Protection to update its systems, reported AFP, citing a senior official.One of the most significant tariff hikes targets Brazil, which now faces a 50 per cent duty on exports to the US. However, exemptions have been made for some key products like aircraft and orange juice.US President Donald Trump has openly admitted the measure is linked to Brazil’s prosecution of his political ally Jair Bolsonaro. The former Brazilian president is facing charges related to an alleged coup plot. Trump called the prosecution a “witch hunt.”Greer defended the geopolitical use of tariffs, saying: “The president has seen in Brazil, like he’s seen in other countries, a misuse of law, a misuse of democracy.” He added, “It is normal to use these tools for geopolitical issues.”White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett echoed Greer’s views, telling NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker that while minor discussions may continue, most tariff rates are “more or less locked in.” He also ruled out any major revisions even if markets react negatively. “These are the final deals,” Hassett stated.As per AFP, the latest tariff move is part of Trump’s broader push to rebalance global trade ties. His executive order signed last Thursday enforces increased tariffs on 95 countries and territories, ranging from 10 per cent to 41 per cent.India, for example, has been hit with a 25 per cent duty over what the White House termed “obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers” and ongoing energy ties with Russia. Switzerland faces a 39 per cent tariff, while Syria tops the list with 41 per cent.Legal challenges are also emerging. An appeals court panel expressed scepticism last week over the administration’s authority to impose such duties, indicating the case may go to the US Supreme Court.