In The News

Clash Over Brexit Trade Rules: Bloomberg

Tim Ross and Ian Wishart February 4, 2020
The United Kingdom severed ties with the European Union, with current rules to remain in place until the end of 2020. The leaders have 11 months to develop new trade rules: The EU expects the UK to abide by strict rules to prevent unfair competition while Johnson insists the UK will “prosper mightily” even if the negotiations fail. He suggested the EU could provide a deal similar to the one with...

US and EU Argue on Carbon Tax: Financial Times

Gillian Tett, Chris Giles and James Politi January 30, 2020
The European Union’s new tax plan on carbon imports may exacerbate transatlantic tensions. The Green Deal plan comes at the heels of France delaying imposition of a digital services tax, resisted by the Trump administration. According to Wilbur Ross, US commerce secretary, the United States could retaliate with tariffs if it finds the new carbon tax stems from trade protectionism. From the EU...

Optimistic CEOs at Davos: Wall Street Journal

Chip Cummins and Marie Beaudette January 28, 2020
The World Economic Forum at Davos attracts world leaders, CEOs and celebrities every January to discuss economic trends. Despite some pessimistic forecasts on economic growth, the CEOs attending the 2020 forum remain optimistic about global economy for the most part, with the United States and China having signed phase one of a trade deal - offering greater certainty for economies. In addition,...

Post-Brexit Britain and Africa: Economist

January 27, 2020
Africa is projected to be the fastest growing continent for both population and economic growth. Britain is considering ways to regain influence in Africa after Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes to strengthen business and social ties with African countries and looks forward to enthusiastic responses. Methods for revitalizing British influence in Africa, including diplomacy, aid, and...

African Farmers Take on Big Chocolate: FT

David Pilling January 19, 2020
Ghana and Ivory Coast produce about two thirds of the world’s cocoa. David Pilling, writing for the Financial Times, questions why such nations cannot break free of poverty, and then explains how many farms are small, producing just a few bags of pods each year. “Ghana supplies about one-fifth of all cocoa beans, for which it earns about $2bn a year, less than one-fiftieth of the value of the...

US Agriculture Is Victim of Broken WTO: Agri-Pulse

Bill Tomson January 18, 2020
Members of the World Trade Organization, 25 years old, express concerns about processes. The WTO can no longer settle disputes of 164 members after the Trump administration blocked appointments of appellate judges to the body that decides cases. The body has one of three minimum judges; dozens of cases are now on hold. “The U.S. ag sector is keen to see suits filed that would challenge the...

Japan, US, EU Propose WTO Subsidy Rules: Jiji

January 16, 2020
The European Union, the United States and Japan are proposing that the World Trade Organization enact new restrictions on industrial subsidies. Analysts see China as the target and suggest that foreign firms cannot compete in China with firms that receive the subsidies. “The three economies hope to win support for the proposal from a wide range of WTO members in the buildup to a ministerial...