Russia Warns G20 Trade Rules Could Collapse Amid US Tariff Tensions

Russia’s Minister for Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, has warned that the international trade order is at risk of collapse, while criticising actions by the United States that he said were restricting global trade.

Reshetnikov made the comments during a two-day gathering of G20 officials in Milwaukee, where trade ministers were meeting under the shadow of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. He appealed to the White House to help preserve the existing international trade system.

Warning over trade rules

Reshetnikov said countries were taking steps to protect their economies while dismantling established rules, although the shape of any replacement system remained uncertain.

“In an effort to protect their economy, the rules are being dismantled, perhaps in an attempt to establish new ones. But the new rules remain unclear for now,” he said.

He described the current direction of trade relations as a weakening of international frameworks and a move towards bilateral deals. In his assessment, this was also increasing the influence of stronger countries in determining trade relationships.

“For the time being, it’s more a matter of dismantling all international frameworks that hinder the conclusion of deals, shifting toward a logic of bilateral relations, and exercising the right of the strong,” Reshetnikov said.

Disagreement over the agenda

Reshetnikov also dismissed topics advanced by Washington for discussion at the meeting. Those issues included eliminating forced labour, avoiding the weaponisation of food trade and addressing industrial overcapacity.

He said there were more pressing matters to consider, including the wider pressure on international commerce. Reshetnikov argued that Russia understood efforts to restrict trade particularly well.

“[We understand] better than anyone what this is all about, because they are trying in every way possible to restrict our trade,” he said.

Plans to diversify trade

Some G20 member countries planned to use the talks to diversify their trade away from the United States in an effort to avoid President Trump’s tariffs. The countries involved were not identified.

The meeting did not include a reported response from US officials or other G20 members in the available information. No details were provided on decisions or agreements reached by the trade ministers.