The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has expressed concerns about the negative impacts of the recent increase in tariffs by the United States on global economic development and industrial growth.

UNIDO argues that the tariff increases are a "counterproductive approach," and points out that there is a lack of evidence to support the realization of the intended outcomes.

According to UNIDO, tariffs increase the costs of industrial production, undermining economic efficiency, reducing the benefits of trade, and weakening competitiveness. UNIDO warned that these practices ultimately threaten jobs worldwide and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable countries.

Furthermore, UNIDO highlighted that the tariffs will have an impact not only on already vulnerable countries, but also on the countries that are implementing them, which will increase geopolitical tensions and uncertainty.

"Rather than creating obstacles to industrial trade, the goal should be a fairer and more sustainable global economy," said UNIDO Director-General Gerd Mueller

Mueller called on the United States and other industrialized countries to cooperate with developing countries to create mutually beneficial situations and build a fairer and more sustainable global economy that ensures long-term prosperity for all.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) in its economic forecast for 2025, published on Thursday, predicted a 0.2% decline in global trade, a 2.9 percentage point decrease from the original forecast, citing the impact of US tariffs and uncertainty regarding future trade relations with the United States.

CMG/gnews.cz