

206. Paul Krugman talks trade, industrial policy, and Trump
46 snips Mar 16, 2025
Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, a distinguished professor at CUNY, shares his insights on trade dynamics and industrial policy. He dives into the lessons from agglomeration economies and examines the economic differences between Europe and the U.S. The revival of industrial policy, driven by national security and environmental concerns, is also discussed. Krugman critically analyzes Trump’s trade policies, highlighting the complexities and negative impacts of tariffs on the economy. His expertise sheds light on the evolving landscape of global trade.
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Agglomeration Economies
- Agglomeration economies, where industries cluster geographically, offer benefits like specialized suppliers and labor markets.
- These economies, like Silicon Valley or New York's financial district, can concentrate production in a few key areas.
Examples of Agglomeration
- Historic examples of agglomeration include Troy's detachable collar industry and Providence's costume jewelry industry.
- Today, Silicon Valley exemplifies this phenomenon, along with specific Chinese cities specializing in buttons or underwear.
Risks of Geographic Concentration
- Geographic concentration of essential goods, like PPE or semiconductors, raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Policymakers worry about risks from geopolitical tensions and disruptions like pandemics or climate events.