In The News

Global Trade Entering “Era of Fragmentation”

Finbarr Bermingham June 3, 2015
Trade is gradually becoming more fragmented and less global in scope, with a drop in cross-border capital flows, as countries form exclusive trade coalitions and agreements, writes Finbarr Bermingham for Global Trade Review, a publication that covers commodity, export and supply-chain finance industries. “The WTO, for its part, has failed to reach the stated aim of the Doha Round, which set out...

A Shield That’s Not Required

Nayan Chanda January 15, 2015
Attempts to protect home markets signal a lack of confidence in the business community. A decision by the Modi administration in India “to oblige ministries to procure only locally-built electronic products not only marks a protectionist turn but also undermines the government’s avowed goal of fighting corruption and increasing transparency,” writes Nayan Chanda, editor in chief of YaleGlobal,...

China Must Lift Trade Restrictions on Rare Earth Elements

August 18, 2014
Environmental protections do not justify China’s export duties and quotas on rare earth element, the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization has ruled, reports Environment News Service. China is responsible for 90 percent of the worlds’ supply of rare earth minerals, and the ruling is a boost for global auto, computer, television, battery, and other high-tech manufacturers in developed...

An Opportunity That India Let Go

Nayan Chanda August 11, 2014
India may have missed a rare opportunity to reform an antiquated program of agriculture subsidies with the support of the World Trade Organization. The newly installed Modi administration also signaled to the global business community that the country may not be ready for serious reform. “By standing alone against all, including its partners in BRICS, the G-20 and G-33, and threatening to scuttle...

Indian Objections Sink WTO Deal

Shawn Donnan and Amy Kazmin August 1, 2014
India has blocked a massive World Trade Organization deal designed to reduce subsidies for agriculture goods, thus boosting trade for the world’s poorest nations. WTO decisions require consensus of all members. The deadlock after years of negotiation risks “plunging the body back into a crisis of credibility,” report Shawn Donnan and Amy Kazmin for the Financial Times. Many trade observers...

Will TTIP Harm the Global Trading System?

Katinka Barysch and Michael Heise January 9, 2014
The European Union’s member states form the world’s largest economy followed by the United States. So, the rest of the world is wary about ongoing negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP. Other trading partners of the US and the EU may have to meet new regulations without having a voice in their making. Or in other areas, the partners may have to deal with two...

Costly Reprieve

Nayan Chanda January 8, 2014
To secure an agreement at the Bali ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization, developing nations gave in to India and other developing nations and will allow ongoing food subsidies for the time being. The WTO hopes to reach a permanent solution by 2017. Subsidies distort markets and cripple competition; they aid political leaders for only a short while and are difficult to end. The WTO...