U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has been at the center of major trade developments in recent days. On February 20, 2026, following the Supreme Courts ruling that tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are illegal, Greer issued a statement announcing swift alternative measures. According to the Thompson Hine law firm update, Greer said the decision affects only one element of the administrations trade policy and vowed to implement other tools to address core issues like trade deficits.
Key actions include immediately imposing a temporary 15 percent surcharge on imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which lasts up to 150 days. The STR Trade Report notes Greer expressed confidence that all trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will remain in effect. Additionally, the office plans accelerated Section 301 investigations targeting unfair practices by major trading partners, covering industrial excess capacity, forced labor, pharmaceutical pricing, discrimination against U.S. technology, digital services taxes, ocean pollution, and trade in seafood and rice. Ongoing probes with Brazil and China will continue, alongside maintaining Section 232 tariffs.
The Associated Press reports this response has heightened uncertainty for businesses, with potential legal challenges to the new surcharges and questions over refunding 133 billion dollars in prior IEEPA tariffs collected. European Union lawmakers delayed ratifying their deal amid confusion over stacking tariffs.
Separately, last week Greer helped finalize a reciprocal trade agreement with Indonesia, removing barriers on over 99 percent of U.S. products to its 280 million person market. The USTR press release highlights praise from American farmers and industry, including the National Cattlemens Beef Association for opening the largest halal beef market, and ethanol groups eyeing a 900 million gallon opportunity.
These moves signal Greers push to sustain aggressive trade enforcement despite court setbacks.
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