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
Feb 2, 2026 • 34min
Canada Tariff Threats, Davos Roundup, and WTO Reform Proposals
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott react to President Trump's threat to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canada. They also discuss their takeaways from the aftermath of the World Economic Forum in Davos and several proposals to reform the World Trade Organization.
Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
The Greenland Trade War That Almost Was, China-Canada Détente, and Pharma Deals
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott discuss President Trump's tariff threats surrounding Greenland and the outcomes of the World Economic Forum in Davos. They also look at a series of new trade agreements, including a deal between China and Canada, and close by unpacking Trump's deals on pharmaceutical pricing.
Jan 20, 2026 • 32min
China vs. the World, Chips Tariffs, and Global Minimum Tax
On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott discuss the carveout for U.S. multinationals from key parts of the OECD’s 15% global minimum tax framework. They also unpack the unconventional announced semiconductor 232 tariffs and escalating diplomatic and economic tension between China and Japan.
Jan 13, 2026 • 41min
The Trade Guys x Simply Trade: One Messy Trade Year
The Trade Guys kick off 2026 with a special crossover episode featuring the Simply Trade podcast’s Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles. Together, the group explores what’s ahead for 2026, focusing on major global trade battlefronts including the Supreme Court, WTO, and USMCA.
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.
