U.S. Treasury Secretary Urges G20 Nations to Shield Industries from Cheap Imports

Fort Myers Naples, FL, September 1, 2026 — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on other G20 nations to implement protective measures for their domestic industries. Speaking at the G20 finance minister meetings held in Asheville, North Carolina, Bessent advocated for the adoption of tariffs and other trade policies designed to shield industries from the impact of inexpensive imports.

The Treasury Secretary articulated concerns regarding persistent trade imbalances and the ongoing trend of offshoring. These issues, according to Bessent, necessitate a proactive approach from member nations to safeguard their industrial sectors. The call to action was made during a significant international gathering focused on global economic policy.

The specific details of the proposed tariffs or other measures were not elaborated upon in the summary. Furthermore, the extent of agreement or discussion among the other G20 finance ministers following Bessent’s remarks was not provided. The summary also did not specify which industries were of primary concern or provide concrete examples of trade imbalances or offshoring that prompted this directive. The contractor’s name, if applicable to any proposed measures, was not provided. The fine amount, if any, was not provided. The outcome of any inspections or the status of permits related to these concerns were not detailed.

The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. Its members are major economies, and the meetings often address global economic challenges and policy coordination. Asheville, North Carolina, hosted this particular assembly of G20 finance ministers, providing a backdrop for Secretary Bessent’s address on trade protectionism.

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