Trump Admin Confirms Tariff Rates Near Final With Limited Room for Negotiation

Trump’s administration has reinforced its stance on trade policy, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirming in a CBS interview that new tariff rates are “pretty much set” with “limited scope for negotiation” [1]. The remarks follow a delayed deadline for the implementation of tariffs, originally set for August 1 but pushed back to August 7 [1]. Greer emphasized that most rates are already locked in as part of negotiated agreements, and that the broader tariff framework is now in place [1].

Trump has imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on numerous countries, including the European Union, and a 50% rate on certain Brazilian exports, excluding key products like aircraft and orange juice [1]. The U.S. president has justified these tariffs as geopolitical responses to actions taken by foreign governments, particularly in Brazil, where he claims the legal system is being misused against his political ally, Jair Bolsonaro [1]. Greer defended the practice, calling it “normal to use these tools for geopolitical issues” [1].

White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett echoed these sentiments, stating the tariff rates are “more or less locked in” and ruling out changes even in the face of potential market backlash [1]. The administration’s approach reflects a broader shift in U.S. trade policy, marked by what has been termed the “Liberation Day tariffs,” announced on April 2, 2025. These tariffs have raised the average applied U.S. tariff rate from 2.5% to an estimated 27% [2].

While some countries have been granted temporary reprieves—such as Mexico, which received a 90-day extension on higher tariffs to facilitate negotiations—the overall message remains firm: the administration is committed to using tariffs as a strategic tool [3]. This approach has drawn criticism from both businesses and economists, including Warren Buffett, who has long opposed tariffs, calling them a “weapon” that disrupts trade balances [3].

Legal challenges have also emerged, with courts questioning the administration’s authority to impose certain tariffs. A recent appeals court panel showed skepticism toward the government’s legal arguments, raising the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling on the matter [1]. Despite these challenges, the administration appears undeterred, with officials indicating that the tariff structure is now largely irreversible in the short term.

Source:

[1] Fortune – [https://fortune.com/2025/08/03/us-trade-war-trump-tariff-rates-deadline-negotiations/](https://fortune.com/2025/08/03/us-trade-war-trump-tariff-rates-deadline-negotiations/)

[2] Wikipedia – [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_tariffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_tariffs)

[3] Yahoo Finance – [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-says-he-is-terminating-trade-talks-with-canada-us-china-clinch-truce-200619062.html](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-says-he-is-terminating-trade-talks-with-canada-us-china-clinch-truce-200619062.html)