The Trade Guys
CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies
Trade experts Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch break down the buzz around trade, how it affects policy, and how it impacts your day-to-day. The Trade Guys is a weekly podcast from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2025 • 31min
Chips to China, U.S.-Indonesia Deal, and North Pole Tariffs
On this week’s episode, the Trade Guys discuss President Trump’s decision to sell Nvidia H200 chips to China, the status of the U.S.-Indonesia trade deal, and North Pole tariffs ahead of the holidays.
Dec 15, 2025 • 29min
The Administration’s Farm Aid Package, China’s Growing Trade Surplus, and USMCA Extension Hearings
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott discuss President Trump’s $12 billion aid package to U.S. farmers, China’s trade surplus hitting over $1 trillion despite U.S. tariffs, and USTR’s hearings with stakeholders on extending the USMCA.
Dec 8, 2025 • 29min
Tariff Dividends, U.S.-UK Pharma Deal, and Bullying vs. Persuasion
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott unpack a proposal from the Trump administration to give a $2,000 tariff dividend to all low- and middle-income Americans. They also examine a new deal between the U.S. and UK on pharmaceuticals. Finally, we finish with a debate on whether bullying or persuasion is more effective in trade negotiations.
Nov 24, 2025 • 26min
New Trade Deals and Framework Agreements, Poison Pill Clauses, and Thanksgiving Dinner
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott discuss new U.S. trade deals and framework agreements and the significance of "poison pill" clauses inserted into several of the deals. Scott also unpacks the impacts of trade on Thanksgiving foods.
Nov 18, 2025 • 32min
USMCA Review, U.S.-China Trade Thaw, and the Return of Congress
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott discuss the upcoming 2026 review of the USMCA and the state of trade in North America. They also examine recent cooperation between the United States and China on counternarcotics and port fees and ponder whether Congress may take action on tariffs now that the shutdown is over. Plus, we welcome Alex Kisling as our new moderator.
Nov 11, 2025 • 32min
Tariffs at the Supreme Court, a CS3D Update, and Nvidia Chips to the UAE
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Phil offer their takeaways from this week's Supreme Court oral arguments on the IEEPA tariffs. They also give an update on the progress of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and discuss Microsoft's receipt of a license to ship thousands of advanced Nvidia AI chips to the UAE.
Nov 4, 2025 • 28min
Takeaways from Trump's Trip to Asia
On this episode of the Trade Guys, we talk through the outcomes from President Trump's trip to Asia, including negotiations with China, the ROK, and ASEAN.
Oct 27, 2025 • 31min
Shipping Emissions, Pre-APEC Tit For Tat, and U.S. Agriculture Exports
On this episode of the Trade Guys, we discuss a vote on rules aimed at lowering carbon emissions from shipping which was called off under U.S. pressure. We also cover expanded rare earth export controls coming out of China and new CSIS findings on the severe impacts of retaliation on U.S. farmers.
Oct 21, 2025 • 35min
Trading Tales with the Export Stories Podcast
On this episode of the Trade Guys, we join forces with Betsy Olim of the Export Stories Podcast to share stories from decades' worth of experience in trade.
Oct 13, 2025 • 25min
The Future of Globalization and Other Big Questions
This week, the Trade Guys discuss the future of globalization, the rules-based order, and what may come next in front of a live audience.
