G20 trade ministers open talks under strain of Trump tariffs

The G20 trade ministers convened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, with the looming shadow of US President Donald Trump's global tariffs casting a pall over the discussions. The gathering, which includes major economies such as China, India, Russia, Japan, Canada, and France, is comprised of two days of intensive talks and bilateral meetings.

The tense environment is fueled by a deepening US-Canada trade war, an influx of US tariffs, and Trump's investigations into member countries' excess industrial capacity. Despite the pressure, China remains unconcerned about its exports and criticizes the overcapacity, arguing that it unfairly drives down prices by flooding markets.

Meanwhile, countries are actively seeking deals with the Trump administration, with India pushing to finalize a trade pact. Polish finance minister Andrzej Domanski urged for a reduction in trade barriers, expressing hope that US partners would adhere to the earlier deal between the US and EU to cap Trump's duties on the bloc at 15%.

However, the US has excluded South Africa from the talks. The agenda also encompasses efforts to eliminate forced labor in supply chains and targeting access to food supplies to exert pressure on others.