Robert Lighthizer has reportedly been asked to return as the United States Trade Representative following Republican candidate Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential election win, according to a report from the Financial Times on Friday (Nov 8).
During Trump’s first term, Lighthizer served as the US trade representative and played a key role in the trade war with China and managing the country’s tariff strategies. He was instrumental in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to impose significant tariffs on all imported goods, especially those from China. His aim is to intensify his earlier trade approach with a plan for 10 per cent tariffs on most imports, along with even higher rates for products from China and other select countries. If these tariffs are put in place, they could increase costs for American consumers.
China’s ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, cautioned on Thursday (Nov 7) that trade wars, tariffs, or disputes over technology and industry have no true winners. He stated that differences between the two nations should encourage dialogue and mutual growth, rather than be a source of confrontation. Xie added that each country’s success should be seen as an opportunity for the other.
On the same day, Trump announced that Susie Wiles, one of his campaign managers, would become White House chief of staff.
The Financial Times noted that it remains uncertain if Lighthizer will accept the role. Before his previous term as trade representative, Lighthizer spent 30 years as an attorney at the Wall Street firm Skadden Arps, where he defended the US steel industry against Chinese imports.
(With inputs from agencies)