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.

Drug Deal

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

Of Flying Geese and Sitting Ducks: Brazil Stares, East Asia Takes Off…

East Asian economies continue to grow, while Latin America lags behind
Marcos Jank
May 17, 2005

A Dangerous Mix of Politics and Trade

Short-sighted bilateral agreements may undermine the multilateral global trading system
Philip Bowring
May 23, 2005

The Globalization of Absurdity

Osama bin Laden souvenirs have flooded markets worldwide, delighting tourists with a taste for the ironic and absurd
Richard S. Ehrlich
June 6, 2005

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