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.

Western Profits Wilt on China's Surging Wages

Big corporations, hungry for profits, hunt for cheap workers elsewhere
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
August 31, 2010

Joys and Pains of a Global Paradigm Shift

Developing nations race to fill slack in global economy
Michael Casey
August 27, 2010

Advertisers Seek to Speak to Muslim Consumers

For the next “big thing,” multinationals look to Muslims
Liz Gooch
August 20, 2010

In Crackdown on Energy Use, China to Shut 2,000 Factories

Energy efficiency is tied to economic and national security
Keith Bradsher
August 12, 2010

Speculators Rediscover Agricultural Commodities

Using tactics that busted the housing market, profit-hungry investors turn to food
Susanne Amann, Alexander Jung
August 11, 2010