Core Viewpoint - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that tariffs are not a solution to global economic imbalances, highlighting the risks associated with excessive trade deficits and surpluses [2][3]. Group 1: Global Economic Assessment - The IMF's 2025 External Sector Report evaluates the trade status of 30 major economies, which account for approximately 90% of global GDP [2]. - In 2024, the global current account balance as a percentage of world GDP is expected to increase by 0.6 percentage points, reversing a trend of decline since the 2008-2009 financial crisis [2]. - The report indicates that the U.S. trade deficit will expand by $228 billion in 2024, reaching $1.13 trillion, reflecting macroeconomic imbalances within the U.S. [2]. Group 2: Tariffs and Trade Wars - The IMF asserts that tariff barriers have minimal impact on improving trade imbalances and warns that escalating trade wars could significantly affect the global macroeconomy [2]. - Short-term effects of higher tariffs may reduce global demand and exacerbate inflationary pressures by increasing import prices [2]. Group 3: Currency and Financial Stability Risks - The report expresses concerns about the stability of the international monetary system due to rising geopolitical tensions, which could disrupt financial stability [2][3]. - The U.S. dollar has depreciated by 8% since January, marking the largest semi-annual decline since 1973, prompting global investors to reassess their exposure to dollar risks [3]. - The rise of stablecoins and innovations in cross-border transactions may reinforce the dollar's dominance but could also introduce financial stability risks [3].

Core Viewpoint - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that tariffs are not a solution to global economic imbalances, highlighting the risks associated with excessive trade deficits and surpluses [1][2]. Group 1: Global Economic Assessment - The IMF's 2025 External Sector Report evaluates the trade status of 30 major economies, which account for approximately 90% of global GDP [1]. - In 2024, the global current account balance as a percentage of world GDP is expected to increase significantly by 0.6 percentage points, reversing a trend of narrowing since the 2008-2009 financial crisis [1]. Group 2: U.S. Trade Deficit - The U.S. trade deficit is projected to widen by $228 billion in 2024, reaching $1.13 trillion, indicating macroeconomic imbalances within the U.S. [1]. - The IMF warns that the effectiveness of tariff barriers in improving trade imbalances is minimal, and escalating trade wars could have significant negative impacts on the global macroeconomy [1]. Group 3: Currency and Financial Stability Risks - The rise of protectionism is casting a shadow over global bilateral trade, direct investment, and securities investment flows, potentially leading to a fragmented international monetary system and increased financial volatility [2]. - The U.S. dollar has depreciated by 8% since January, marking the largest semi-annual decline since 1973, raising concerns about currency risk [2]. - The IMF acknowledges that while the dollar will maintain its dominant position, recent trade tensions and rising U.S. debt levels may prompt global investors to reassess their exposure to dollar risks [2]. - The emergence of stablecoins, particularly dollar-backed stablecoins, could reinforce the dollar's dominance but also pose financial stability risks [2].