IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington left global finance leaders with more questions than answers on the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. Discussions on trade and debt concerns highlighted growing uncertainty, as markets worry about the broader economic fallout.
During the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, global finance leaders sought clarity on the economic impacts of President Trump's tariffs, but left with more questions than answers. Many officials tried to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, but were told to be patient, as the Trump administration remained uncertain on its trade demands. Despite receiving 18 proposals and engaging in discussions, no deals were finalized.
Participants, including Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski, warned that the tariffs, especially on vehicles, steel, and aluminum would harm global economies, but the U.S. remained confident it was a short-term pain for long-term gain. Meanwhile, trade talks with Japan and South Korea yielded little resolution, with future discussions likely addressing currency policies.
The IMF lowered growth forecasts for most countries but did not predict recessions. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva expressed hope that trade negotiations would reduce the uncertainty hurting global business. However, several officials privately raised concerns about rising debt and the risk of a new debt crisis.
The IMF and World Bank also faced criticism for their lack of focus on development issues, with many emerging markets struggling due to the slowdown in trade and foreign investment caused by tariffs. World Bank economist Indermit Gill highlighted rising debt in developing nations.
While the U.S. supported the IMF and World Bank, there were concerns about the institutions' expansion into non-economic areas like climate change and gender equality. U.S. officials, including Bessent, emphasized the importance of refocusing the organizations on economic stability.
The week ended with financial markets and policymakers worried about the broader economic consequences, including a decline in trust in U.S. economic leadership, particularly after the recent selloff in U.S. Treasury debt and dollar-based assets.
The IMF has lowered global and U.S. economic growth forecasts, citing Trump-era tariffs and rising uncertainty. Global growth is expected at 2.8% this year, while U.S. growth may slow to 1.8%, with heightened recession and inflation risks.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
rgentina sealed a $20 billion, 48-month Extended Fund Facility deal with the International Monetary Fund on Friday and, in a major policy move ahead of the deal, dismantled key parts of its years-long currency controls and loosened its grip on the peso.
Since joining in 1956, Argentina has become the IMF’s biggest debtor. On Friday, it secured a new $20B deal—its 23rd program. The first dates back to 1958 with a $75M loan. In total, Argentina has received $177B from the IMF to fight inflation and repeated economic crises.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva issued a stark warning on Thursday, cautioning that the latest tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump could deepen economic uncertainty and threaten global growth.
Thousands of Pakistanis gathered in Lahore to express solidarity with Palestinians, launching a new alliance to coordinate protests and boycotts.
President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the Shahid Rajaee Port explosion in Bandar Abbas, expressing deep sorrow and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured on behalf of himself and the Azerbaijani people.
Donald Trump's cabinet members sent mixed signals on whether tariff talks with China are underway, despite Trump's claims, fueling confusion as market instability and recession fears grow amid ongoing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged for a swift peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, as the Trump administration decides whether to continue mediation.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to settle Syria's $15 million arrears with the World Bank, allowing the institution to resume grants for the country's reconstruction and support for its public sector.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry, marking his latest attempt to boost U.S. access to nickel, copper and other critical minerals used widely across the economy.
Uzbekistan and Iran have agreed to establish a Joint Business Council aimed at fostering development of business ties and facilitating the resolution of issues between entrepreneurs from both countries.
Brussels has fined Apple and Meta over €700 million combined, launching its first crackdown under the Digital Markets Act aimed at curbing big tech’s power and boosting competition in the digital economy.
The Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, aiming to ease tensions with Beijing as trade negotiations continue, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
Thousands of Pakistanis gathered in Lahore to express solidarity with Palestinians, launching a new alliance to coordinate protests and boycotts.
President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the Shahid Rajaee Port explosion in Bandar Abbas, expressing deep sorrow and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured on behalf of himself and the Azerbaijani people.
Donald Trump's cabinet members sent mixed signals on whether tariff talks with China are underway, despite Trump's claims, fueling confusion as market instability and recession fears grow amid ongoing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged for a swift peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, as the Trump administration decides whether to continue mediation.
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