In his signature blend of wisdom and humility, Warren Buffett sounded a cautionary note on the use of tariffs, urging U.S. policymakers not to weaponize trade.
Speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting on Saturday, the 94-year-old investment titan warned that excessive tariffs could harm not just international relationships, but America’s own economic future.
“Balanced trade is good for the world,” Buffett said during the widely-watched gathering in Omaha. “Trade should not be a weapon.”
His comments come at a time when global markets are on edge over escalating protectionist rhetoric and looming trade barriers, particularly under the policies of President Donald Trump, whose tariff-first approach unsettled investors and rattled stock markets worldwide.
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Buffett, known for his long-term investing philosophy and steady voice in times of volatility, made it clear that the prosperity of the United States is deeply intertwined with that of other nations.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to design a world where a few countries say, ‘ha ha ha, we’ve won,’” he said. “The more prosperous the rest of the world becomes, the more prosperous we’ll become.”
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Despite his clear concerns about the direction of trade policy and its implications, Buffett maintained his trademark optimism about America’s resilience. “We’re always in the process of change,” he noted. “I would not get discouraged. We’re all pretty lucky.”
Buffett’s remarks came as Berkshire Hathaway revealed a record cash reserve of $347.7 billion, reflecting the company’s caution in uncertain market conditions. While investors and analysts continue to dissect what this massive cash pile means for future opportunities or challenges, Buffett’s broader message was one of patience, perspective, and global cooperation.
His words serve as a timely reminder that economic strength is not a zero-sum game—and that building bridges, not barriers, may be the best long-term strategy for American prosperity.
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