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.

Exports No Longer Sole Path to Economic Rescue

Exports, the great catch-all for emerging economies, may offer less promise
Will Hickey
October 24, 2013

The Politics of Palm Oil

Global demand for palm oil drives FDI in Indonesian plantations and rapid land clearing
Pavin Chachavalpongpun
September 17, 2013

Egypt Highlights Race Between Trade and Terror

Trade pacts like EUROMED could curtail extremists taking advantage of Mideast power vacuums
Humphrey Hawksley
August 15, 2013

China and the US Court Africa

Africa’s rich resources, especially energy, are target for world’s leading economies
Raluca Besliu
August 1, 2013

Get Ready for the Next China

The US must adjust as China’s new economy shifts toward consumer-led growth and services
Stephen S. Roach
July 2, 2013

Sustainability or Greenwashing?

Big demand for natural cosmetics and low enforcement threaten Brazil’s candeia tree
João Paulo Cândia Veiga
May 28, 2013