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.
"We are still assessing the macroeconomic implications of the announced tariff measures, but they clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth," Georgieva said in a statement. She called on the United States and its trade partners to work constructively to resolve rising trade tensions and reduce uncertainty in an already fragile economic environment.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced a new set of reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from several trade partners. Under the new measures, the US will impose a 20% tariff on European Union goods, 34% on Chinese imports, 46% on Vietnamese products, 32% on Taiwanese exports, 24% on Japanese goods, 26% on Indian products, 25% on South Korean exports, 36% on Thai goods, 31% on Swiss products, 32% on Indonesian imports, 24% on Malaysian goods, 49% on Cambodian products, 30% on exports from South Africa and Bangladesh, and 17% on Israeli goods.
The IMF’s warning comes amid growing global concerns that heightened trade barriers could disrupt international trade flows, dampen investor confidence, and potentially trigger a broader economic slowdown. Georgieva added that the IMF is in the process of analyzing the broader effects of these measures and that the results will be detailed in the upcoming World Economic Outlook report, scheduled for release during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month.
As global markets brace for further volatility, economists and policymakers alike stress the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the risks posed by the escalating trade tensions.
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.
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.
South Africa’s 2024/25 maize harvest is now forecast at 14.66 million tonnes, up 14 % from last season and slightly above March’s estimate, the Crop Estimates Committee said in its latest outlook.
An explosion rocked a residential area in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, northern China, killing at least one person and injuring 21 others, according to state media.
U.S. Treasury primary dealers want Congress to scrap the federal debt ceiling, warning in new TBAC minutes that the limit lifts borrowing costs, fuels market turmoil and could weaken the dollar’s reserve-currency standing.
Russia and North Korea on Wednesday launched construction of a road bridge between the two countries that will span the Tumen river, marking strategic partnership between the two countries, Russia's prime minister said.
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
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.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
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.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
North Korea has launched a new 5,000-tonne destroyer as part of Kim Jong Un’s plans to expand the country’s naval power far beyond its coastal waters.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Americans to remain patient following a first-quarter economic contraction, insisting the downturn was not caused by his tariff policies.
China has lifted sanctions on five current and former Members of the European Parliament, signaling a move to ease tensions with the European Union and revive stalled trade negotiations.
Lars Klingbeil, Germany’s incoming finance minister, is set to reshape fiscal policy with a sharp focus on defense spending, marking a shift from austerity as Berlin boosts military investment amid global tensions.
Iran has announced plans to significantly expand its economic relationship with Afghanistan, targeting $10 billion in bilateral trade, as regional powers ramp up efforts to turn Afghanistan into a strategic trade and transit hub.
Germany edged out of recession with 0.2 % growth in the first quarter, but the recovery looked shaky as unemployment climbed to its highest level since the pandemic and looming U.S. tariffs threatened to stall momentum.
South Africa’s 2024/25 maize harvest is now forecast at 14.66 million tonnes, up 14 % from last season and slightly above March’s estimate, the Crop Estimates Committee said in its latest outlook.
An explosion rocked a residential area in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, northern China, killing at least one person and injuring 21 others, according to state media.
U.S. Treasury primary dealers want Congress to scrap the federal debt ceiling, warning in new TBAC minutes that the limit lifts borrowing costs, fuels market turmoil and could weaken the dollar’s reserve-currency standing.
Russia and North Korea on Wednesday launched construction of a road bridge between the two countries that will span the Tumen river, marking strategic partnership between the two countries, Russia's prime minister said.
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
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