Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson America and the Trade Status Quo, Tariffs and What May Come Next, A Chance to Build in Tech and Beyond
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Nov 22, 2024 Explore the shifting dynamics of trade and tariffs in the U.S., focusing on the tech industry's evolution. The impact of China's tech advancements and the complexities of U.S.-China economic relations come into play. Delve into the resurgence of American innovation and the challenges within manufacturing post-COVID. The crucial role of semiconductors in geopolitics is discussed, alongside the potential revival of American factories. Finally, the conversation looks at how regulation can either stifle or stimulate technological growth.
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Tech's Role in Globalization
- Tech has been a driving force behind globalization, enabled by innovations like containers and international communications.
- Tech also drove globalization due to economic factors, such as the need for cheaper labor in chip manufacturing.
Fairchild Semiconductor Offshoring
- Fairchild Semiconductor, a predecessor to Intel, offshored chip assembly to Asia due to labor costs.
- This early offshoring demonstrates tech's historical reliance on globalized labor.
Bretton Woods Agreement
- The Bretton Woods agreement established the US dollar as the world's reserve currency, backed by gold.
- This system facilitated global trade and economic stability after WWII.
