

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

Mar 25, 2021 • 26min
China Coalition, USTR Calls, and Intel’s Bet
In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys discuss the U.S., EU, UK, and Canada’s coordinated action against China for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Plus, they’ll break down a flurry of diplomacy from Katherine Tai, the new U.S. Trade Representative. And they’ll take a look at Intel’s decision to invest in two new semiconductor fabs in Arizona.

Mar 18, 2021 • 34min
Showdown in Alaska and Running Faster
In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys preview the first face-to-face meeting between the Biden Administration and top officials from China. Plus, they’ll discuss reports of a domestic investment package being put together by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and calls for Covid-19 relief funds to go only to American companies.

Mar 11, 2021 • 28min
Beige Book, Semiconductor Targets, and a Boeing-Airbus Truce
In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys look at the Fed’s most recent Beige Book, which references shortages and supply chain disruptions a record number of times. Plus, they’ll break down new plans from the EU and China to boost domestic semiconductor production and establish independent technology supply chains. And, they’ll react to the U.S. reaching a temporary truce with the UK and EU in the longstanding Boeing-Airbus dispute.

Mar 4, 2021 • 28min
The Next USTR, China Continuity, and Carbon Pricing Momentum
In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys review the confirmation hearing of Katherine Tai, President Biden’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative. Plus, they’ll take a look at the administration’s diplomatic outreach to meet the China trade and technology challenge. And, Andrew and the Trade Guys react to the administration’s decision to let a controversial Trump-era supply chain rule proceed. Finally, they respond to the Biden administration’s signal of support for a carbon border adjustment mechanism.

Feb 25, 2021 • 23min
Biden-Trudeau, Korean Battery Brawl, and New Administration, Same WTO Game
Andrew and the Trade Guys break down President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent meeting. Plus, they explain the significance of a dispute between advanced battery makers LG Chem and SK Innovation. And, they react to the Biden administration’s to pursue a national security defense at the WTO in a dispute with Hong Kong.

Feb 23, 2021 • 37min
Complying with the USMCA is the New Priority
In this crossover episode with the newest CSIS podcast, Mexico Matters, host Mariana Campero speaks with Ken Smith, Mexico’s Chief USMCA negotiator and with the CSIS Trade Guys, Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch, about the new USMCA— which was signed two years ago by President Lopez Obrador. They dive deep into how some of his policies run counter to the spirit of free competition and risk hindering US investments and other key interests. They also discuss the focus on compliance by the new Biden Administration and how protectionist measures on both sides can affect the overall competitiveness of North America.

Feb 18, 2021 • 31min
Rare Earths, Economic Versus National Security, and the WTO Vaccine Debate
In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down reports that China is mulling export restrictions on rare earth minerals, a move that could imperil production of U.S. military planes and other high-tech goods. They’ll analyze how the Biden administration is reforming the Trump administration’s view that economic security is a component of national security. Plus, the Trade Guys will react to the WTO’s incoming director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, latest comments on the WTO’s role in vaccine manufacturing and distribution.

Feb 10, 2021 • 26min
Trump’s Final Grade, USTR Staffs Up, and the WTO’s New Day
In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys give former President Trump his final trade policy grade now that there’s data for his entire term. Plus, they’ll break down new staffing announcements at USTR and what it signals about the Biden Administration’s approach to trade policy. Plus, the Trade Guys react to WTO members coalescing around Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General.

Feb 3, 2021 • 22min
Sullivan and Yang, Tariff Turnaround, and Container Costs
In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys react to new comments on the U.S.-China relationship from President Biden’s National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, and China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. The Trade Guys also break down Biden’s decision to reimpose aluminum tariffs on the UAE, and explain why it’s now more profitable to send empty shipping containers to China compared to containers full of goods.

Jan 27, 2021 • 30min
Biden’s Turn at Buy American
In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down President Biden’s new Buy American executive order. They explain what the order does and how it might impact the U.S. economy and supply chains. Plus, they’ll explain what’s behind the EU’s new consideration of export restrictions on vaccines. The Trade Guys will also discuss why China overtaking the U.S. top destination for foreign investment isn’t cause for panic.