Finance chiefs of G20 countries expressed optimism for an agreement on a common position on trade and other global challenges on Friday despite U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs which have overshadowed their meeting.

South Africa calls for unity as G20 finance talks open amid rising trade barriers:: July 17, 2025:: Durban, South Africa:: Enoch Godongwana, South African finance minister"We meet at a time of fragile global economic growth.

South Africa has downplayed the absence of US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent at a meeting of G20 finance chiefs, saying it believed the world’s biggest economy is still “committed” to the grouping as the gathering starts in Durban.