G20 Trade Officials Strained by US Tariffs in Milwaukee Talks

G20 trade officials gathered in Milwaukee for two days of strained talks under the shadow of US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The meetings were hosted by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who defended Washington's approach as 'not anti-trade.' However, countries like Canada and the European Union are expected to push for deeper trade ties outside the United States.

The US has imposed a barrage of tariffs on trading partners since last year, targeting sectors like steel and autos. Although some country-specific tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court in February, new tariffs have been slapped on 60 economies, including China, India, and the EU. Washington is also investigating 16 partners over excess industrial capacity, which critics say floods markets and unfairly suppresses prices.

Countries are under pressure to voice their concerns with Trump's tariffs, but analysts expect little breakthrough in Milwaukee. 'Don't expect any breakthroughs,' said Josh Lipsky of the Atlantic Council think tank, noting Trump's preference for bilateral negotiations. Former US trade official Wendy Cutler added that countries will also be anxious to find ways to cooperate with the world's biggest economy.