'Trump's First-Term Tariff Architect' Lighthizer: "Reciprocal Tariffs by Country Should Be Maintained"

Former USTR Lighthizer Argues Tariffs Can Enhance Global Efficiency
Expresses Support for the CHIPS Act

Robert Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) who designed tariff policy during the first Trump administration, stated regarding reciprocal tariffs, "Along with a universal tariff, I hope to maintain higher tariffs on countries that violate trade rules."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News] Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), held a press conference on the 5th (local time) after concluding the second round of renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

On April 28 (local time), at a seminar hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, Lighthizer was asked whether a basic 10% reciprocal tariff would be maintained regardless of the outcome of negotiations in a second Trump administration. He responded, "I am not in the government," and made the above remarks.

He led the U.S. Trade Representative's office during the first Trump administration, overseeing U.S. trade policy in a practical capacity.

Lighthizer further commented on America's reciprocal tariffs, stating, "China and Germany need to reduce their trade surpluses with the U.S., which could mean increasing their own domestic consumption. This would actually be better for them as well."

He added, "The systems they have result in inefficiencies not only bilaterally but also on a global scale, because they allocate resources for reasons other than economic ones. Everyone dislikes tariffs, but if measures are introduced to offset their effects, it could actually enhance global efficiency."

When asked whether he believes that, in order to foster advanced industries in the U.S., industrial policies from the Biden administration should continue alongside tariffs, Lighthizer revealed that he supported the CHIPS Act, stating, "If we do not support semiconductors, we will not have semiconductors."

He then mentioned that China, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union are all supporting their semiconductor industries, and said, "In a situation where the entire world is providing subsidies, we cannot do nothing. I believe both measures are necessary."

Regarding potential confusion in the implementation of tariff policy during a second Trump administration, Lighthizer said, "We are now moving into the execution phase. Over time, we will find the appropriate tools and rates. The implementation process is always subject to criticism."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.