By Deborah Pofara Luu
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over new tariffs announced by the United States, cautioning that the move could exacerbate global economic instability.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the risks posed by these measures during a statement on Thursday, noting they come at a time of “sluggish growth” worldwide.
“Steps that harm the world economy must be avoided,” Georgieva urged, calling for constructive dialogue between the U.S. and its trading partners to reduce trade tensions and economic uncertainty. She added that the IMF is still assessing the full impact but warned of “significant risks to the global outlook.”
The tariffs, unveiled by President Donald Trump, aim to protect American jobs and industries by taxing imported goods. Trump defended the policy as a boost for U.S. economic growth, despite widespread concerns about its ripple effects on international trade.
The IMF plans to release a detailed analysis in its upcoming World Economic Outlook during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month.
Georgieva reiterated that cooperation among nations is vital to avoid further disruptions to global supply chains and investment flows.
READ FULL STATEMENT HERE
Washington, DC: Today, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva issued the following statement on yesterday’s announcement of U.S. tariffs:
“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. It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy. We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty.”
“We will share the results of our assessment in the World Economic Outlook, which will be published at the time of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month”.
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