Rep. Larson Questions USTR Greer on Tariffs for Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea

Tariffs and Exclusions

• 🎯 Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea were excluded from recent global tariffs announced by the president.
• ❓ Representative Larson questioned whether this exclusion was an oversight or an attempt to reinvigorate trade with Russia.

USTR Greer's Response

• 💡 USTR Jamieson Greer stated that these countries are already subject to congressional sanctions and embargoes.
• ✅ He confirmed that the U.S. should not have normal trade relations with these nations.
• 📌 Greer explained that these countries already have their own high tariffs and are not part of the new tariff initiative.

Trade Deficit and Future Actions

• 📈 Larson inquired if USTR would take action to increase tariffs on Russia if trade increases.
• 🤝 Greer committed to monitoring trade levels and advising the president accordingly, acknowledging that the trade deficit should be considered.
• 🗣️ He stated he would not publicly disclose his advice to the president regarding raising tariffs on Russia.