The Trade Guys

The resurgence of 'Tariff Man' sparks discussions about Donald Trump's influence on trade policy. Speculations arise about the economic strategy of a potential new administration and its focus on tariffs. Concerns over national debt and the political landscape are examined, revealing the challenges ahead. The podcast also draws parallels with past presidencies, questioning how economic conditions are spun during elections. Finally, it scrutinizes the risks of high tariffs against major trading partners and the potential fallout for the U.S. economy.

At the recent BRICS Summit, global leaders are pushing for de-dollarization, challenging the U.S. dollar's long-standing dominance. Discussions around alternative currencies, including the euro and renminbi, highlight emerging trends in international trade. The G20's focus on sustainable development and women’s trade participation signals a shift in priorities. Meanwhile, a study reveals the evolving landscape of U.S. manufacturing, emphasizing the need for adaptation in a service-oriented economy and the critical importance of manufacturing for national security.

This week, the Trade Guys recorded their show live at the National Small Business Exporter Summit hosted by NASBITE International. They talk U.S. elections and the services economy, then field questions from the audience.

On this week's episode of the Trade Guys, we preview the upcoming 2026 renewal of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), dig into the Nobel-winning work on the importance of societal institutions for a country’s prosperity, and discuss the return of pandas from China to the National Zoo.

Dive into the legal maze surrounding presidential powers over tariffs and how they could affect future trade with China. Explore the historical context behind these powers and the complexities of modern trade policies. The discussion also challenges common beliefs about inflation, revealing that government actions and changing consumer behavior play significant roles beyond just supply chain issues. Learn how pandemic-era supply chain dynamics have shifted from traditional methods to just-in-time production, highlighting vulnerabilities and inflationary pressures.

On this week's episode of the Trade Guys, we unpack the ramifications of the port strike currently impacting the East Coast and Gulf. Next, we look at U.S.-India collaboration on critical minerals and semiconductors, as well as the recently delayed EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

On this week's episode of the Trade Guys, we dive into the economic records and agendas of the two major presidential candidates. We also cover the Commerce Department's proposed ban on the import and sale of connected vehicle technologies from China and Russia.

On this week's episode of the Trade Guys, we are lucky to be joined by Scott Kennedy, the Senior Adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at CSIS. Discussion topics include the origins of China's economic downturn, Taiwanese investment in China, and what the future may hold for the world's second-largest economy and its trade relationships.

Mario Draghi, former Prime Minister of Italy, shares insights on the shifting landscape of European economic policy. He discusses the new U.S. export controls on advanced technologies, particularly quantum computing, and their impact on global tech transfer. The conversation dives into Europe’s struggles with attracting investment and innovation while fostering competitiveness against U.S. industrial strategies. Draghi also addresses the political complexities surrounding the blocking of Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, highlighting national security and labor interests.

Scott Miller, a Trade Guy and expert in executive education at CSIS, discusses how nations are grappling with trade relationships with China. He highlights Canada’s recent tariffs on Chinese EVs and aligns them with U.S. policies. The conversation dives into the EU's evolving trade dynamics and how India’s hopes of de-risking may fall short of a clean break from China. Miller emphasizes the need for coordinated global responses to tackle the challenges of overcapacity and the complexities of a shifting economic landscape.