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.

WTO Rice Import Talks

South Korean farmers must accept change
January 29, 2004

Falling Behind: Globalization and Its Discontents

A global economic system can provide warnings and better manage crises
Henry A. Kissinger
June 3, 2008

Chicken Exports: Watana Threatens Retaliation

Avian flu keeping Thai chickens off global market, changing lives of small farmers
February 4, 2004

Chinese Exports and Imports Continue to Shrink

Trade fortunes and troubles of East and West are tightly intertwined
Keith Bradsher
January 14, 2009

Beijing Puzzle

China has plenty of goods to sell, but few buyers at home or abroad
January 21, 2009