G20 Talks Strained by Trump Tariffs Amid Concerns Over Forced Labor and Capacity

G20 trade ministers are gathering in Milwaukee for two days of talks amid tensions over President Trump's tariffs and concerns about forced labor and industrial overcapacity, particularly regarding China.

The discussions will be challenging due to Washington's sectoral duties, which remain intact despite the Supreme Court striking down country-specific tariffs in February. The US is investigating 16 partners over excess industrial capacity, including China, Japan, and South Korea, which critics say floods markets and unfairly suppresses prices.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended Washington's approach, stating that the administration 'is not anti-trade.' He noted that countries face similar challenges with global overcapacity and 'non-market policies,' adding that key US trading partners like Canada and the EU will push for deeper trade ties outside the United States.

Analysts expect no breakthroughs in Milwaukee due to President Trump's preference for bilateral negotiations. Former US trade official Wendy Cutler, now at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said G20 partners will be anxious to find ways to cooperate with the world's biggest economy but also pressure Washington over tariffs.