The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced serious concern over rising global trade tensions, cautioning that these developments pose significant risks to countries that export to the United States.
This warning follows the U.S. government’s decision to implement a 10% tariff on all its trading partners, including Ghana, amid escalating trade friction with China. In response, China has introduced steep retaliatory tariffs of 125% and 145%.
Speaking at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the broad consequences of these actions, particularly their inflationary effects on consumer prices in impacted economies.
She also emphasized that prolonged trade uncertainty is not only disrupting global commerce but is also unsettling financial markets and shifting consumer behavior.
The IMF’s statement adds to growing concerns about the long-term effects of protectionist measures, with fears that continued escalation could undermine global economic stability and hinder recovery efforts, especially in developing countries.