Print this page

G-20 ministers call for open trade amid protectionism fear

  • font size decrease font size decrease font size increase font size increase font size

Mar 21, 2018  - BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The world's top financial officials made a call Tuesday for open trade and more dialogue at a time of growing criticism that tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump might trigger a global trade war.

G-20 finance ministers and central bankers gathered in Buenos Aires for a two-day summit on the week that Trump's tariffs — of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports — enter into force.

Spain's economy minister said that several countries attending the summit were critical of protectionist measures, while Argentina's treasury secretary said there is no vision that the world is nearing a trade war, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the tariffs were hardly an issue at the summit.

"Free and fair trade is something that we believe in. This is not about protectionism, but it's about fair and free reciprocal trade," Mnuchin said at a press conference.

 

Continue here to read the full article ||  March 21, 2018   |||