Buffett warned about trade deficits in a 2003 Fortune op-ed and proposed ‘import certificates’ but says trade should not be a weapon

• Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett was asked about his 2003 Fortune op-ed where he called for “import certificates” to rein in trade deficits. He admitted the idea was “gimmicky,” but it’s better than the current state of trade, alluding to President Donald Trump's aggressive tariffs.

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett was asked about a 2003 op-ed he wrote in Fortune warning about trade deficits, but told shareholders on Saturday that trade shouldn’t be used as a weapon.