Hundreds of finance leaders from around the world are gathering in Washington this week for the semi-annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group.
While these events traditionally focus on multilateral policy coordination, this year’s discussions are expected to be dominated by one pressing issue: tariffs.
The meetings, which include high-level talks and one-on-one negotiations, provide a platform for finance ministers to broker deals on project financing, foreign investment, and debt relief.
However, the spotlight this year is on how countries can mitigate the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping import tariffs, which have disrupted global trade since his return to the White House in January 2025.
On April 2, Trump announced tariffs of at least 10% on all goods entering the United States, affecting over 50 countries, including Nigeria, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Josh Lipsky, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, described the situation as unprecedented. “Trade wars will dominate the week, as will the bilateral negotiations that nearly every country is trying to pursue in some way, shape, or form,” Lipsky said. “This becomes a Spring Meetings unlike any others, dominated by one single issue.”
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned of “notable markdowns but not recession,” citing heightened uncertainty and market volatility caused by the trade turmoil. While Georgieva noted that the global economy continues to function well, she cautioned that negative perceptions could slow economic activity.
The focus of the meetings will largely center on U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump’s lead negotiator for tariff deals. Bessent’s stance on supporting the IMF and World Bank remains unclear, raising questions about the future of multilateral development banks (MDBs).
Nancy Lee, a former U.S. Treasury official, emphasized the importance of Bessent’s role in addressing these concerns. “First and foremost, does the U.S. view support for MDBs as in its interest?” Lee asked.
Japan and South Korea are among the countries actively pursuing tariff negotiations. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is expected to meet with Bessent to advance talks on auto and steel tariffs, while South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will discuss delaying the implementation of 25% tariffs and exploring mutual interests in energy and shipbuilding.
The tariff turmoil has shifted the focus of the IMF and World Bank meetings away from traditional priorities such as climate change, inflation, and financial support for Ukraine.
Critics warn that the U.S.’s retreat from global leadership could create a vacuum filled by rival powers like Russia and China. Lipsky noted that Trump’s tariffs have already sparked a sell-off in U.S. Treasury debt, raising questions about the dollar’s status as a safe-haven asset.