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.

Talks Collapse on U.S. Efforts to Open Europe to Biotech Food

The next stop for the battle over genetically modified food will be the WTO court.
David Leonhardt
June 20, 2003

Closing Doors to Growth

High tariffs mean low economic growth for India, and continued poverty.
July 8, 2003

EU Agrees Radical Farming Reforms

Although heavily diluted from the original proposal, a new plan to break the link between subsidies and production is in place.
Tobias Buck
June 26, 2003

Patriotism Is Bad Business

Low production costs and technological advances drive industry relocation
Nayan Chanda
March 3, 2008

China Comes to Town

Despite an influx of imports, Egyptian merchants reject protectionism
Dena Rashed
March 4, 2008