IMF Chief Christine Lagarde Warns Governments Off Protectionism

Hong Kong speech comes after escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing

HONG KONG—International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde urged governments to “steer clear of protectionism in all its forms,” following weeks of tension between the U.S. and China over trade.

“History shows us that import restrictions hurt everyone, especially the poorer consumers,” Ms. Lagarde said in a speech about the global economy Wednesday at the University of Hong Kong.

Both...