Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal received a light-hearted remark from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who jokingly described him as a “trade minister for life” while opening the G20 Trade Ministers’ meeting in Milwaukee.
Greer made the comment while discussing the long-term effort to reshape the global trading system, saying work on a fairer system would continue beyond the terms of current ministers — “maybe except for Piyush.”
G20 Trade Ministers Meet in Milwaukee
The two-day meeting is being hosted under the US presidency of the G20 and brings together trade ministers and senior officials from major economies.
Greer outlined four priorities for the discussions: the weaponisation of food, structural excess industrial capacity, the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle and forced labour in global supply chains.
He argued that longstanding trade challenges require countries to consider changes to existing international trade arrangements.
Goyal Focuses on India-US Trade Talks
Goyal is representing India at the ministerial meeting as New Delhi and Washington continue discussions on their Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
According to the report, Goyal said he had a productive discussion with Greer on efforts to conclude an interim agreement at an early stage.
The discussions come as both countries work through issues involving tariffs, market access, supply chains and broader economic cooperation.
Steel Overcapacity Among Key Issues
The G20 meeting is also addressing concerns over excess industrial capacity, particularly in the steel sector.
Greer said G20 participants had committed to addressing excess capacity in 2016 but argued that the problem had become more significant over the following decade. The US has placed greater emphasis on tariffs, bilateral agreements and supply-chain resilience as part of its trade policy.
A new Milwaukee Framework was also discussed in connection with the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, with measures focused on trade remedies, supply-chain monitoring and scrutiny of transhipment.
India Pushes for Rules-Based Trade
India has reiterated its support for a rules-based, open, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its centre.
Goyal is also holding bilateral meetings with international counterparts and engaging with American businesses during the Milwaukee visit. The discussions are focused on trade, investment, manufacturing, technology and resilient supply chains.
The G20 trade ministers’ discussions are scheduled to continue before the meeting concludes in Milwaukee.
