The death knell of globalization and free trade has been sounded over the past several years as nations have imposed tariffs and embraced industrial policies to protect vital industries. For the past five decades, the economics of efficiency has dominated the trade and financial framework. The logic ... READ MORE >
trade
3 things to know this week in energy: Suez Canal blockage, oil field deals, carbon pricing
This past week’s blockage of the Suez Canal registered briefly in the oil market before the ship was freed, several high-profile oil field deals are expected soon, and the Supreme Court of Canada recently ruled carbon pricing constitutional. Biweekly, we round up news and analysis about three things ... READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Unexpected risk and a blocked Suez Canal
Just when we thought everything was gonna be all right – global vaccinations are on the rise along with forecasts for the global economy – a shortage of microchips threatens the automobile industry and a container ship gets stuck in the Suez Canal, threatening the global supply chain. It’s always ... READ MORE >
The impact of Brexit on U.S. manufacturing companies
While Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016 and companies had about four years to prepare for the change, there was not much clarity on what Brexit would mean for companies until Dec. 24, 2020, when the post-Brexit trade deal—the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement—was finalized. Plenty of questions ... READ MORE >
Container crunch pushes shipping rates to record highs
Surging demand for Asian imports and a shortage of containers are congesting U.S. ports, causing headaches for companies importing from Asia, skyrocketing shipping rates and surging purchase prices for containers. Another result? The previously humble shipping container is now a star of the ... READ MORE >
What’s the latest in U.S.-China trade?
China recently signed a regional trade agreement – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – with 14 other Asia-Pacific countries. Touted as the world’s largest regional free trade agreement, it includes countries that make up 30% of the world’s gross domestic product. But it does not ... READ MORE >
USMCA is a solid opportunity for the middle market
The new North American trade agreement represents a solid opportunity for American middle market firms to expand their participation in the regional and global economies. The pact, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, includes a chapter dedicated to small and medium enterprises – a first ... READ MORE >
Policy options to boost economy may be limited in a post-Brexit world (updated)
It remains to be seen whether Britain's impending departure from the European Union will be "hard" or "soft." Either way, it is time to start thinking about the post-Brexit economic environment. It will take sustained and concentrated efforts by the British government to begin shaping policy to mitigate ... READ MORE >