Washington:<Text>

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed hopes Wednesday that the Trump administration will see "outcomes" from South Korea, Australia, and the European Union as it aims to ensure that foreign digital regulations do not negatively impact American companies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Greer made these remarks during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing in Washington. His office is currently conducting trade investigations into these countries under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. This provision allows the USTR to investigate "unfair" foreign trade practices on a country-by-country basis. Greer emphasized the importance of achieving outcomes, citing France's decision to hold off on a proposal to increase digital services taxes as a positive example.

Greer clarified that the goal is not to impose tariffs for their own sake but to ensure fair outcomes. He mentioned that although the U.S. does not favor the current digital tax framework in France, U.S. efforts have helped prevent further increases. The USTR has tools available to address these issues and intends to use them if necessary, while still aiming for negotiated resolutions.

Section 301 investigations typically result in tariffs and other measures intended to address what Washington perceives as unfair trade practices. Washington has voiced concerns over South Korea's regulatory actions that could impact American digital platform operators like Google, X, and Meta. These investigations are part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to reestablish its tariff program after the Supreme Court invalidated country-specific "reciprocal" tariffs in February, originally implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.