Call for No Weaponisation of Food in G20 Meet

· Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Chair of the G20 Trade Ministerial, described the meeting in Milwaukee as a success.

· The G20 achieved consensus on a statement opposing the weaponization of food through coercive trade actions.

· Trade ministers held constructive discussions on global diesel supplies, contributing to expectations of increased diesel availability in international markets.

· Members discussed several major trade issues, including:

o Eliminating forced labor in global supply chains.

o Addressing structural excess capacity and overproduction in key sectors.

o Reforming the Most-Favored Nation (MFN) principle to better fit modern trade realities.

· The United States, Mexico, and Argentina jointly issued a statement supporting the elimination of forced labor in global supply chains.

· Greer expressed disappointment that the full G20 failed to reach consensus on forced labor but remained hopeful that more countries would join future efforts.

· Many G20 members showed willingness to address industrial overcapacity, though some opposed creating a coordinated pathway for action.

· Greer welcomed growing interest among members in exploring potential reforms to the MFN principle.

[ABS News Service/03.10.2026]

On 1 October, 2026, Ambassador Jamieson Greer released a statement following the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in his capacity as the Chair of the G20 Trade Ministerial.

“This week’s G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee was a success. It is especially significant that the entire G20 was able to reach consensus on the statement on the weaponization of food through coercive trade actions,” said Ambassador Greer. “We also had constructive meetings on the sidelines regarding global diesel supplies which contributed to the anticipated release of more diesel into the global market. G20 Trade Ministers also had candid and productive discussions regarding eliminating forced labor in global supply chains, addressing structural excess capacity and production, and reforming the Most–Favored Nation principle (MFN).”

“In addition, I commend Mexico and Argentina in joining the United States in a statement on eliminating forced labor in global supply chains,” continued Ambassador Greer. “While I am disappointed that the G20 Trade Ministers did not reach consensus on this issue, I am hopeful that discussions on this topic will continue and that other economies will join us in taking increased action to combat forced labor in global supply chains. In addition, many G20 members expressed resolve to address structural excess capacity and production in key sectors of concern. I am disappointed that a handful of members rejected creating a pathway toward cooperative action. Finally, I’m encouraged that members across the development spectrum indicated that they see merit in considering how the MFN principle might be improved to address today’s global trade environment.”