US rejects free trade statement at G20 economic summit

[McFurd]

Washington Post - 3/18/2017 - BADEN-BADEN, Germany - The Trump administration on Saturday rejected a statement from other leading economies that warned against the perils of trade protectionism, the latest sign of how the administration's more combative approach to diplomacy could create rifts with U.S. allies and leave traditional partners in the dark about the direction of U.S. policy. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, appearing at a gathering of economic ministers and central bankers from the 20 largest economies, rebuffed multiple entreaties from German officials to include in the meeting's joint statement language stressing the importance of free trade and that it should be conducted in a "rules based" manner, following existing standards and agreements. Read more @ http://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/20 ... temen.html