China Condemns US Tariffs, World Bank Restructures

This week, China condemned US tariffs at a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting, warning of economic instability and market disruptions. Meanwhile, the World Bank is restructuring, aiming to improve operational efficiency, enhance client access, and bring leadership closer to the regions it serves.

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Former USMCA Negotiators Launch Trade Coalition

The Coalition for North American Trade (CNAT), led by former key negotiators of USMCA, was officially launched on Feb. 14, 2025, as a trinational private-sector group aimed at promoting the benefits of USMCA. The coalition seeks to ensure a successful review of the trade agreement in 2026, when the three countries will decide whether to extend it for another 16 years.  

China Criticizes US Tariffs; Trump Pushes for More Trade Barriers

China condemned the tariffs imposed or proposed by US President Donald Trump at a WTO meeting, arguing that they threaten global economic stability. Trump, meanwhile, has announced plans for new tariffs, including a potential 25% duty on automobile imports, as part of his broader strategy to reshape international trade.

World Bank Restructures Global Operations, Regional Relocations

The World Bank has announced plans to restructure its global operations by relocating its regional management teams from Washington to regional offices worldwide. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director, World Bank Operations, highlighted that the restructuring initiative seeks to improve the bank’s operations, streamline client access, and position senior management closer to the countries they serve.

The United States Labels Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Increases Surveillance

The US Department of State has announced it will classify the Sinaloa, Noreste, Jalisco Nueva Generación, La Familia Michoacana, and Cárteles Unidos as terrorist organizations, according to The New York Times. In addition to Mexican cartels, the list includes Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, and El Salvador’s Mara Salvatrucha cartels.