The G20’s longstanding call to resist trade protectionism is in doubt ahead of its upcoming summit in Argentina, according to a leaked draft of the joint statement under consideration by government officials obtained by the Financial Times.
The communiqué, which is still being negotiated and could change before the summit begins in Buenos Aires on November 30, calls for countries to “recognise the importance of the multilateral trading system” and “work to keep markets open and ensure a level playing field”.
However, there is no explicit commitment in the draft statement to fighting protectionism. Anti-protectionist language has been a staple of G20 pledges since the forum was created a decade ago at the height of the financial crisis.