In The News

Visual Capitalist: 8 Forces Shaping the Global Economy

Jeff Desjardins October 23, 2018
Globalization, while less popular in some countries, still contributes to rapid change throughout the world. Global networks allow for immediate spread of new ideas, and Jeff Desjardins of Visual Capitalist identifies eight forces of global change with striking information graphics: Technology, data analysis and artificial intelligence contribute to efficiency; tech companies now represent the...

Caixin: “Competitive Neutrality” for China’s SEOs

Zhang Chunlin October 17, 2018
Some of China’s trade partners accuse the country of unfairly subsidizing its state-owned enterprises, and this is part of the reason the United States has imposed tariffs on many Chinese goods. Zhang Chunlin of the World Bank proposes competitive neutrality, a principle advocated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: restricting SOES from using state tools to increase...

AP: World’s Largest Legal Marijuana Marketplace

Rob Gillies and Gene Johnson October 17, 2018
Sales of legal recreational marijuana became legal in Canada as of October 17, the second country after Uruguay, and long lines and a celebratory spirt greeted the new product. An announcement is planned on pardoning those with previous convictions for possessing small amounts. Legal retail and online sales will contribute to tax revenues. “Canada has had legal medical marijuana since 2001 and...

Bloomberg: Nafta’s China Clause

Josh Wingrove October 10, 2018
After much fanfare about scrapping the North America Free Trade Agreement, US President Donald Trump reached a new deal with neighbors called the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. A new clause stipulates that if members of the North American pact reach a trade deal with a non-market economy then they would be ineligible for some USMCA benefits. Given Trump’s fiery rhetoric about launching a trade war...

Globe and Mail: Freeland, Warrior Princess

Margaret Wente October 2, 2018
Canada reflects on its relationship with the United States and the behavior of its own leaders after tough negotiations with the Trump administration. Chrystia Freeland is listed among the winners after the negotiations for managing to complete a deal and promote Canada’s world view – Freeland had initially proposed chapters on the environment, gender, indigenous communities and an end to US anti...

Sydney Morning Herald: China Seeks to Mend Australian Ties

Kirsty Needham September 27, 2018
The United States has issued tariffs targeting Chinese imports, and China has responded in kind. China, in search of substitute markets, is also moving to improve ties and trade with Australia, which has a new government since August 24 led by Scott Morrison, as well as Japan and South Korea. China is both lead exporter and importer for Australia by comfortable margins. Other export destinations...

BBC: Fentanyl Crisis and Source of Illegal Drugs

September 24, 2018
The escalating trade quarrel between China and the United States prompts other worries and accusations. “The US believes factory-produced opioids - powerful painkillers increasingly abused by US citizens - are being made in China and sold from there too,” reports BBC News. ”One of the main ones is fentanyl - 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine - which is only approved in the US for severe pain...