International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has voiced concern over the United States’ recent tariff announcement, warning of potential risks to the already fragile global economy.
Georgieva emphasized that the IMF is currently evaluating the macroeconomic consequences of the new trade measures, which were introduced amid sluggish global growth.
“The announced tariff measures clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook,” Georgieva said. “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.”
She added that the findings of the IMF’s assessment will be presented in the upcoming World Economic Outlook, to be released during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month.
The warning follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s unveiling of sweeping new tariffs targeting some of the country’s largest trading partners. On April 2, during an address to automotive industry professionals at the White House Rose Garden, Trump announced a 10% universal tariff on all imported foreign goods, set to take effect on April 5. Additionally, he revealed a series of “reciprocal tariffs” ranging from 20% to over 40% on products from dozens of countries, to be implemented starting April 9.
President Trump justified the move as a fulfillment of a key campaign promise, aiming to address what he described as long-standing imbalances in global trade.
“Other countries have gained unfair advantages in trade deals with the United States,” Trump stated. “We are now correcting that imbalance through reciprocal tariffs to ensure the U.S. economy reaps the benefits it deserves.”
The new measures have sparked concern among global economic institutions and trading partners, raising fears of escalating trade tensions and increased market volatility.
