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.

Bush Touts Trade, but US Bid to Empower OAS Stalls

President Bush called for greater freedom in Latin America, but a US bid to add muscle to the OAS appeared headed to defeat
Pablo Bachelet
June 7, 2005

Chinese Shoe Sales Strain EU Trade Ties

Europe's footwear manufacturers are calling for action in Brussels
Tobias Buck
June 9, 2005

China Hits Out at New US Textile Quota

Re-imposition of garment import restrictions stirs tempers in Beijing
Richard McGregor
May 16, 2005

The Payoff from Globalization

Has the United States gained from a half-century of trade liberalization?
Gary Clyde Hufbauer
May 27, 2005

Drug Deal

CAFTA's intellectual property protections may halt the production of life-saving generic drugs in Central America
Kelly Hearn
May 26, 2005