Warren Buffett, speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting, warned that using trade as a political weapon could backfire on the U.S. economy and strain international relations.
In a pointed message, Buffett expressed concern over escalating tariffs and the potential fallout from aggressive protectionist policies. He stressed that long-term prosperity hinges on cooperation, not confrontation, and urged policymakers to avoid treating global trade as a zero-sum game.
His remarks come amid heightened global tensions, as the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on key trading partners—moves that have prompted retaliation and triggered market volatility. Buffett’s comments reflect growing unease among business leaders about the broader economic impact of isolationist policies.
Alongside his economic caution, Buffett also made a major announcement: he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by year’s end. He named Vice Chairman Greg Abel as his chosen successor, expressing full confidence in Abel’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter.
Buffett’s address served both as a warning against shortsighted trade strategies and a pivotal moment in Berkshire’s history, marking the beginning of a leadership transition at one of the world’s most influential investment firms.