Greer Says G20 Trade Ministers Split Over Excess Factory Capacity, Forced Labor

G20 trade ministers reached an agreement to condemn food trade coercion during their meeting in Milwaukee. However, discussions revealed divisions among ministers regarding the issues of excess industrial capacity and forced labor within supply chains. While nearly all nations acknowledged the problem of overcapacity and the inadequacy of current trade remedies, a consensus on how to address it could not be reached.

• G20 trade ministers agreed to denounce food trade coercion.
• Ministers were divided on how to address excess industrial capacity.
• Concerns were raised about excess industrial capacity potentially lowering product prices.
• There was a lack of agreement on tackling forced labor in supply chains.
• Most countries agreed that overcapacity is an issue requiring action.
• Nearly all countries recognized that current trade remedies are insufficient for overcapacity.