In a recent review of the United States economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the American economy performed well in 2025, achieving a growth rate of 2.2 percent. This positive outcome came despite facing the longest government shutdown on record, which impacted activity levels in the fourth quarter of the year. The IMF's analysis underscores a resilient economy as it navigates unprecedented challenges.

Additionally, the IMF urges the United States to collaborate constructively with its trade partners instead of relying excessively on tariffs, as these measures can disrupt global supply chains and negate the advantages of international trade. The organization stresses that while tariffs and export controls may be enacted for national security reasons, such policies should be narrowly defined to minimize their adverse effects on both domestic and international markets.

The IMF's call for a cautious approach towards tariffs is particularly significant in the current global economic climate, where trade relations are increasingly tense. By advocating for cooperation rather than confrontation, the IMF aims to foster a more stable and equitable trading environment that benefits all parties involved, encouraging a return to the principles of free trade and mutual benefit.