Weeds of protectionism

Though policymakers are quick to agree at summits that the world economy is still far from the path of a lasting recovery, unfortunately, few have stood firmly enough against protectionism.

If the international community cannot fully honor its commitment of opposing protectionism right now, "green shoots" of a global recovery may be soon outmaneuvered by the weed of protectionism.

The European Union (EU)'s final ruling of imposing anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese seamless steel pipes is the latest case highlighting such a lack of sincerity and sense of urgency among some policymakers to keep down protectionism.