DAVOS – Today, Ambassador Greer delivered a keynote address, laying out the centuries-long history of the United States’ use of tariffs and an active trade policy to protect domestic industries and secure national interests. He discussed how the “American System” followed by President Abraham Lincoln and others influenced global approaches to economic development and is being revived by President Trump today.
"President Trump has increased tariff rates and secured trade arrangements designed to reduce America’s massive global trade deficit. This approach – combined with sensible energy, tax, and regulatory policy – has resulted in increased GDP, reversed the trend in our trade deficit, and boosted wages, particularly for blue-collar workers,” said Ambassador Greer. “The United States is disrupting the status quo and taking the action needed to protect American interests. The system that has operated for the past three decades required the United States to absorb the ever-rising trade surpluses of other nations. . . . That approach was not sustainable—economically or politically. Americans have repeatedly chosen to reject it at the ballot box. The new system that is emerging is in the interest of American workers, producers, farmers, and ranchers.”
Following his remarks, Ambassador Greer sat down with Financial Times Editor Roula Khalaf for a moderated Q&A.
Watch his remarks here and read his remarks as prepared here.
###
