US to Push Growth, Trade Imbalances and Iran Sanctions at G20 Finance Meeting

The United States is set to use its upcoming G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting to push for stronger global economic growth, address trade imbalances and seek greater international cooperation with its campaign to economically isolate Iran.

The meeting will take place in Asheville, North Carolina, under the U.S. presidency of the G20, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leading Washington’s efforts to shape the agenda. The gathering is expected to bring together finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s major economies.

According to a U.S. Treasury official, discussions will focus on returning the G20’s economic agenda to what Washington considers its core priorities, including growth, financial stability, sovereign debt and trade.

The United States also plans to raise concerns about global trade imbalances, with officials arguing that countries should compete through productivity and innovation rather than policies that create excessive production and distort international markets.

One of the most politically sensitive issues at the meeting will be Washington’s campaign against Iran.

Bessent is expected to urge G20 members to reduce or end economic ties with Tehran as the Trump administration intensifies its sanctions campaign, known as “Operation Economic Outcast.”

The Treasury secretary has warned countries and companies that continue doing business with Iran that they could face secondary U.S. sanctions, potentially restricting their access to the American financial system.

The pressure is particularly significant for countries such as China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which have maintained important economic relationships with Iran. China, in particular, remains a major buyer of Iranian oil, making Beijing’s response a potentially contentious issue at the G20.

Beyond Iran and trade, the United States wants the G20 to address sovereign debt and financial stability.

The Treasury has said the 2026 U.S. G20 agenda will focus on improving debt transparency, facilitating debt restructuring, modernising financial regulation and strengthening cross-border payments. Digital assets and measures to combat payment fraud are also among Washington’s priorities.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in global markets, with governments dealing with high debt levels, geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and concerns over inflation and interest rates.

The United States is also expected to discuss elevated borrowing costs and long-term Treasury yields. Washington has been using debt buybacks as part of its efforts to manage the Treasury market and reduce pressure on longer-term interest rates.

The U.S. administration also plans to involve private-sector representatives in discussions about investment and regulatory barriers.

Washington wants the G20 to explore ways of encouraging investment and strengthening supply chains, particularly in strategically important areas such as energy and critical resources.

The meeting could therefore become an important test of how much support the Trump administration can secure from other major economies for its economic priorities.

While the United States wants the G20 to focus on growth and financial stability, the inclusion of Iran sanctions could turn the gathering into a significant diplomatic contest, particularly if members resist Washington’s demand to sever economic links with Tehran.