International Trade

June 17, 2019

What a Tax, a Ship, and a Road Can Tell You

Somewhat invisible, time determines whether central bankers and legislators have the accurate statistics that they need for economic policy.

June 10, 2019

Why Maine Says It’s Forgotten

Somewhat invisible, China's tariff impact on Maine lobsters can be seen through a supply chain that even includes massive amounts of rubber bands.

June 3, 2019

What a Car Seat Says About Trade

When we look closely at U.S. imports from Mexico, we might be surprised when we see where their components were manufactured.

May 29, 2019

Why the Name of a Country Is Its Brand

Like corporations, countries engage in branding when they change their name or try to influence what the world thinks about them and their products.

April 23, 2019

The Washing Machine Trade War: The Biggest Loser

Through duties and washing machine tariffs, the U.S. government has created new incentives for manufacturers that harm consumers.

March 12, 2019

How Venezuela Caught an Incurable Case of Dutch Disease

From the very beginning in 1922, Venezuela's oil industry fueled governmental decisions that created an incurable case of Dutch disease.

March 11, 2019

How Norway Avoided Dutch Disease

Avoided by Norway, Dutch disease is contracted by nations that let a commodity windfall dominate what they produce and spend.

March 6, 2019

Six Facts That Tell You What Is Happening to U.S. Manufacturing

While it depends where you look and the industries you select, you can see that U.S. manufacturing is now experiencing a modest rebound.

February 25, 2019

A Sad Soybean Saga

From U.S. farm income to Brazil's exports to a racing cargo ship, the impact of China's retaliatory soybean tariff has had a global impact.

February 21, 2019

Six Facts That Explain How China Plans to Dominate World Trade

China's economic development and much more will be propelled if its Belt and Road Initiative sends trillions to countries in three continents.

February 1, 2019

Wilted Lettuce, Moldy Strawberries, and the Impact of Brexit

Thinking of wilted lettuce, moldy strawberries, and a slower trip from the Hook of Holland to Harwich, England, we can see the impact of Brexit.