Edward Alden is a senior fellow at the CFR and a distinguished professor, while Ana Swanson is a trade journalist at the New York Times. They dive into the evolving landscape of U.S. trade policy, highlighting challenges stemming from competition with China. The duo dissects past deindustrialization narratives and the impacts of tariffs, especially during Trump’s presidency. They explore how shifting protectionist sentiments are reshaping society and influencing the upcoming election's trade discussions.

Ana Swanson, a trade and economics reporter for The New York Times, Edward Alden from the Council on Foreign Relations, and Don Lee from the Los Angeles Times delve into the potential fallout of proposed tariffs on California's economy. They discuss how tariffs could inflate prices on goods like cars and avocados. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of key industries and the possible economic ripple effects, including shifts in sourcing and manufacturing. Their insights reveal the complex web of trade relations and the daunting challenges for consumers and businesses alike.