[IMF Recommends the U.S. Reduce Trade Restrictions] On February 25, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the 2026 Article IV Consultation Statement for the United States, recommending that the U.S. work with its trade partners to address concerns about unfair trade practices and promote the reduction of trade restrictions with negative cross-border impacts. The statement noted that measures such as tariffs and export controls should be implemented based on national security reasons and kept within a limited scope to minimize negative domestic and international effects. The IMF emphasized that raising tariffs distorts productive resources, disrupts global supply chains, and increases costs.