Norway’s Prime Minister Urges Global Unity Against the Weaponisation of Trade Diplomacy

At a press briefing in Oslo on Tuesday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre made a stark observation: trade is increasingly being weaponised, and the world can’t afford to let that become the new normal. He pointed to recent instances where tariffs, export bans and customs restrictions were deployed not for economic reasons but as blunt instruments of foreign policy.

“When we start treating trade as a cannon rather than a bridge, we undermine the very fabric of the multilateral system,” Støre said, his tone measured yet urgent. He cited the growing practice of imposing sanctions that spill over into the commercial sphere, affecting ordinary businesses and consumers far removed from any political dispute.

The Norwegian premier stressed that the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other rule‑based institutions are being put under strain. “If we allow a handful of powerful actors to dictate terms through economic coercion, we jeopardise the predictability and fairness that global markets depend on,” he warned.

Støre didn’t just critique; he offered a call to action. He urged fellow leaders to reaffirm commitment to a trade system that respects sovereignty, transparency, and non‑discrimination. “We need a collective stand, a sort of diplomatic firewall, that shields legitimate commerce from being hijacked for geopolitical ends,” he added.

His remarks come amid rising tensions between major economies, where trade restrictions are increasingly intertwined with security concerns. Norway, a small but globally engaged nation, sees itself as a watchdog for the rules‑based order and hopes its voice will rally others to push back against the trend.

In closing, Støre appealed to the international community: “Let’s keep trade a tool for cooperation, not a weapon for intimidation.” The message resonated with diplomats in attendance, many of whom nodded in agreement, acknowledging that the path forward will require both vigilance and dialogue.