G20 Warns of Rising Global Economic Risks

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies have warned of growing downside risks to global growth amid mounting geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and financial instability.

The meeting, held from 15 to 16 October 2025 in Washington, D.C., was chaired by South Africa and concluded without a joint statement—marking the second consecutive meeting to end without consensus.

In a chair’s summary, South Africa noted that G20 members “emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral coordination to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy.”

The summary highlighted trade tensions, ongoing wars and conflicts, and global supply chain disruptions as potential threats that “could raise risks to financial and price stability.” It added that such issues should be tackled “in a way that contributes to an open global economy and without compromising sustainable global growth.”

The meeting also addressed the effects of ongoing US-China trade frictions and financial regulatory reforms, which continue to weigh on global markets. Japan expressed concern over China’s tighter restrictions on rare earth exports, critical materials for technology and manufacturing industries. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda noted that while the global economy has shown resilience, uncertainty and complex challenges still persist.

For the Philippines, the G20 Finance Summit’s cautionary tone is a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to external shocks. As a trade-dependent economy, the Philippines could face headwinds from slower global growth, weaker demand from China, and rising import costs due to ongoing supply chain pressures.

With China as one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners, an economic slowdown caused by trade tensions with the US could reduce demand for Philippine goods such as electronics, minerals, and agricultural products, while potential trade disruptions may raise input costs for manufacturers.

Geopolitical uncertainties and volatile commodity markets may influence the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) monetary policy stance, particularly as it balances inflation control with sustaining growth. The BSP maintains that prudent fiscal management and diversified trade relations will be key to cushioning the economy against global volatility.