A readily measurable aspect of globalization is the increasing exchange of capital, products and services across national boundaries, spurred by expanded use of container shipping and other technological improvements as well as falling barrier. The interdependence is most apparent with global supply chains, as manufactured goods like vehicles and electronics are assembled with components produced around the world, and it’s increasingly rare for any country to be the sole source of any one complex product. Countries aim to increase exports but worry about too many imports and trade imbalances, even as their consumers pursue low prices. Disagreements on subsidies, tariffs, quotas or unfair practices are debated by the World Trade Organization.

West’s Billions in Subsidy Shut Out African Cotton Growers

Western subsidies distort cotton prices and hurt Africa’s poorest nations
Martin Hickman
November 30, 2010

Taking Harder Stance Toward China, Obama Lines Up Allies

The US-China economic relationship often appears more acrimonious than it really is
Mark Landler, Sewell Chan
November 22, 2010

China Can Use More Copper Than World Has Now With Yang’s Stove

Chinese urbanization expands inland, spurring need for copper
Fan Wenxin
November 18, 2010

G-20 to Push Current Balance Guidelines

Leaders of the largest economies pledge to resist protectionism and global imbalances
Kim Yon-se
November 12, 2010

Iran Sidesteps Trade Sanctions With Help From Chinese Firms

Iran, sanctioned by the West, finds a friend in China, but pays a price
Ramin Mostaghim, Borzou Daraghi
November 9, 2010