No-show by Bessent, Brics tensions set to overshadow G-20 meeting

Another no-show by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, President Donald Trump's tariff threats, and rising tensions between Washington and Brics countries all look set to overshadow this week's meeting of Group of 20 (G-20) finance chiefs in Durban, South Africa.

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Several key officials, including Mr Bessent, skipped February's Cape Town gathering of G-20 finance ministers and central bankers, already raising questions about its ability to tackle pressing global challenges.

"I think it is problematic not to have the world's largest economy represented at the table, at least at a senior political level," said Mr Josh Lipsky, the Atlantic Council's chair of international economics. "It raises questions about the G-20's long-term viability," he said, adding that Mr Bessent's absence foreshadowed US plans for a slimmed-down G-20 when it assumes the group's rotating presidency in 2026.

Mr Trump has implemented a 10 per cent baseline tariff on all US imports, with punitive rates targeting specific countries and products — including steel and aluminium at 50 per cent and threatened levies of up to 200 per cent on pharmaceuticals. Extra tariffs on 25 countries are set to take effect on Aug 1.