IMF warns against protectionism, but strikes word from statement Like many other officials at the meeting, he warned in his statement that "rising anti-globalization and protectionism sentiment against international trade and investment pose challenges to global growth." Meirelles also called for action to help all members of society feel "included in the economic progress," partly because it is "crucial to garner political support for furthering global integration and productivity."
The Long: With fears rising that the Trump administration will follow through on its threats to raise trade barriers, world finance ministers are united on one message: protectionism threatens the global economy. Concerns about threats to trade have pervaded the normally placid meeting of finance officials, fueled by US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on countries that have trade surpluses with the United States -- especially China and Germany. Some of it represents fear of the unknown, since the Trump administration has not yet announced any actual policy steps. But it warned rising barriers to trade would hurt those it is supposed to help by curbing growth and raising prices. Like many other officials at the meeting, he warned in his statement that "rising anti-globalization and protectionism sentiment against international trade and investment pose challenges to global growth." Meirelles also called for action to help all members of society feel "included in the economic progress," partly because it is "crucial to garner political support for furthering global integration and productivity."

Source: AFP