- A 90-day extension is under consideration for President Trump to approve in ongoing trade talks, according to USTR Jamieson Greer.
- The move aligns with the administration's aggressive trade agenda, including broad tariffs and renegotiations.
- Markets and trade partners brace for potential disruptions as the administration weighs its options.
A Pause in the Trade Offensive?
Jamieson Greer, President Trump’s newly confirmed U.S. Trade Representative, has indicated that a 90-day extension is one option on the table for the administration’s ongoing trade negotiations. The suggestion comes as the White House reviews and renegotiates key international agreements, a hallmark of Trump’s "America First" agenda since returning to office in 2025.
Greer, who played a pivotal role in shaping trade policy during Trump’s first term—including the USMCA and the "Phase One" deal with China—is now tasked with implementing an assertive strategy that includes sweeping tariffs and tough bilateral talks. The 90-day extension could provide breathing room for negotiations or delay the implementation of new tariffs, particularly those targeting China or other major trade partners.
Regulatory and Market Implications
The administration has not shied away from flexing its trade muscles. On inauguration day, Trump signed an executive order directing the USTR to scrutinize all trade agreements, identify unfair practices, and consider new investigations—most notably against China. The threat of across-the-board 10% tariffs, with higher duties for countries running trade surpluses with the U.S., has kept global markets on edge.
"This is about securing better terms for American workers and industries," said a source familiar with the administration’s thinking. "But the risk of retaliation and supply chain disruptions is real." U.S. manufacturers and farmers stand to gain if market access improves, but consumers could face higher prices on imported goods.
What’s Next?
The 90-day extension mirrors tactics used during Trump’s first term, where deadlines were often extended to maintain leverage. While some in Congress see an opportunity to boost exports, others warn of broader economic fallout. "The administration is playing with fire," said an industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Global trade doesn’t operate well under constant uncertainty."
For now, businesses and trade partners are left guessing—a familiar position for those who weathered Trump’s first-term trade wars. The clock is ticking, and the administration’s next move could either defuse tensions or escalate them further.