Financial leaders from the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies on Tuesday recognized the need for "further dialogue and actions" on trade, while reaffirming their commitment to combat protectionism as a trade war looms.

Their conclusions at the end of their two-day talks come as the United States is set to impose heavy tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Friday, an action President Donald Trump said is aimed at defending national security.

The G-20 finance ministers and central bankers' views are in line with their leaders' promise made last July to "continue to fight protectionism" in ways that would also allow countries to take "legitimate trade defense" steps against unfair practices.