G20 calls for more dialogue on rising trade tensions

Meeting of finance ministers and central bankers came as US clashes with China and other nations over trade

Mr Mnuchin’s assertion of ample liquidity risked raising doubts. AFP

The world’s top financial officials called on Sunday for more dialogue on trade disputes that threaten global economic growth, with one warning that differences remain and tensions could escalate further.

The two-day meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 nations came as the United States clashes with China and other nations over tariffs imposed on their goods.

A final communique said that although the global economy remains strong, growth is becoming “less synchronised” and risks over the short and medium terms have increased.

“These include rising financial vulnerabilities, heightened trade and geopolitical tensions, global imbalances, inequality and structurally weak growth, particularly in some advanced economies,” the communique said. “We ... recognise the need to step up dialogue and actions to mitigate risks and enhance confidence.”

On Friday, US President Donald Trump renewed his threat to slap tariffs on a total of US$500 billion (Dh1800bn) worth of imports from China — roughly equal to all the goods Beijing ships annually to the US. The White House has also itemised $200 billion of additional Chinese imports that it said may be subject to tariffs.

The US has also imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium, including from Europe. China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico and Turkey have counter-punched with taxes on US goods. EU tariffs on American products include Harley-Davidson motorcycles, cranberries, peanut butter, playing cards and whiskey.

______________________

Also read: White House to showcase US products as trade battles loom

______________________

EU financial affairs commissioner Pierre Moscovici warned that such disputes are a threat.

“Protectionism, I want to insist on that, is good for no one,” Mr Moscovici told reporters. “Trade wars are not easy ... they create no winners, only casualties.”

US Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin disputed that protectionism is the issue.

“People are trying to make this about the United States and protectionism. That’s not the case at all,” he said at a news conference. “This is about the United States wanting fair and free trade. ... We very much support the idea that trade is important for the global economy, but it’s got to be on fair and reciprocal terms.”

Mr Mnuchin said there had been no “substantive discussions” with China about trade during the meeting. Asked what it would take to re-start talks with the Asian giant, he said, “Anytime that they want to sit down and negotiate meaningful changes, I and our team are available.”

As the gathering wound up, Mr Moscovici said differences of position remain despite talks. “These meetings have been taking place in an international context which is very challenging. ... Trade tensions remain high and they threaten to escalate further,” he said.

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has warned that a wave of tariffs could significantly harm the global economy, lowering growth by about 0.5 per cent “in the worst-case scenario.”

Mr Mnuchin disagreed on Sunday, saying that overall, the US economy has not been harmed by the trade battles set off by Mr Trump’s get-tough policies. He acknowledged, however, that some individual sectors have been hurt and said US officials are looking at ways to help them.

“We see some micro impacts where people, our counterparts, are targeting very, very specific items, in very specific communities,” he said. “But from a macro standpoint, we do not yet see any significant impact on the economy.”

Global markets have remained generally calm. But analysts say they expect Mr Trump will impose more tariffs on China and potentially other key US trading partners. With those nations almost certain to retaliate, the result could be higher prices for Americans, diminished export sales and a weaker US economy by next year, they say.

Mr Moscovici said the G20 meeting had not been tense. He said that countries must remain “cool-headed and maintain a proper sense of perspective” and that the EU remains open to dialogue.

“That’s why EU president Jean-Claude Juncker and trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom will meet with Mr Trump” in Washington next week, he said. “We hope this meeting will be productive and successful.”

Mr Mnuchin said that the US looks forward to those discussions.

The Group of 20 nations is composed of traditional economic powers such as the United States, Japan and Germany and emerging nations such as China, Brazil, India and Argentina.

Officials in Buenos Aires also discussed issues including the future of work and infrastructure for development, the international tax system and financial inclusion. It is the third of five meetings by finance ministers and central bankers scheduled in advance of a meeting of G20 national leaders in Argentina to be held later this year. Mr Mnuchin said Mr Trump plans to attend.