U.S. president-elect Donald Trump tapped attorney Jamieson Greer on Tuesday to serve as the U.S. trade representative, a pick that will play an important role in the Republican's agenda to remake the international trading environment through tariffs.

"Jamieson played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China and others to combat unfair Trade practices, and replacing the failed NAFTA deal with USMCA, therefore making it much better for American Workers," Trump said in a statement.

Greer, an attorney who has practised international trade law, served as chief of staff to the USTR Robert Lighthizer during the first Trump administration.

Trump said Greer's efforts under Lighthizer helped reverse decades of "disastrous trade policies."

His focus, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will include reining in the trade deficit and opening up "export markets everywhere," Trump said.

Trump has already announced Howard Lutnick as his choice for commerce secretary. Lutnick will have "direct responsibility" for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, he said last week.

Bloomberg News had reported earlier Tuesday that Trump would pick Greer for the role as trade representative.

The 78-year-old Trump returns to the Oval Office in January after having spent four years out of power. He's the second ever U.S. presidential candidate to win the White House on non-consecutive occasions.