Talks among G7 finance ministers hit early hurdles yesterday as officials grappled with disagreements over U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and continued support for Ukraine.
While the picturesque setting of Banff National Park provided a serene backdrop, tensions surfaced quickly, with Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti acknowledging initial “difficulties,” though expressing hope that a joint statement of unity could still be reached before Thursday’s close.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, facing criticism over Trump’s tariff policies, described the discussions as very productive, despite pushback from allies like Japan, which called the tariffs extremely regrettable.
Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and other participants emphasized the value of open dialogue, even as consensus on a final communique remained elusive.
Meanwhile, UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves led a session on Ukraine, calling for increased pressure on Russia and highlighting the urgency of supporting Kyiv.