Bolivia warns of global tariff war after new US trade measures

LA PAZ -- Bolivia warned Friday that the United States' new tariff policy could spark a global trade war with severe economic repercussions, urging a collective response from the international community.

In a statement, Bolivia's Foreign Ministry condemned the US decision to impose new import tariffs, including a 10 percent duty on Bolivian goods and higher rates on several other countries.

"These measures violate WTO trade principles and commitments," the ministry said, adding that they risk triggering a global trade contraction and escalating into a full-scale tariff war, harming economies and workers worldwide.

The statement criticized the United States for contradicting its free-market rhetoric with increasingly protectionist actions and called for coordinated responses through multilateral and regional forums to challenge these protectionist policies.

The government pledged to support its exporters through all relevant channels and reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying trade beyond the region.