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.

US Trade Deal’s Setback Causes Mixed Reaction in Asia

Trade partners in Asia worry about US reliability
Anna Fifield and Simon Denyer
June 15, 2015

The TTIP Gap: How a Trans-Atlantic Trade Deal Can Be Fixed

In a world of trade alliances, EU fears losing US to Asia without TTIP
Christoph Pauly, Michael Sauga, Michaela Schiessl and Gerald Traufetter
June 11, 2015

Global Trade Entering “Era of Fragmentation”

Countries busily form exclusive trade agreements – and ignore the WTO
Finbarr Bermingham
June 3, 2015

American Universities "Addicted to Chinese Students”

Hard up for cash, US universities could struggle to compete with Chinese counterparts
Matt Schiavenza
June 1, 2015

China's Unprecedented Investment Offensive in Latin America

As US struggles over TPP, China plans railroad, oil deals with Latin America
Juan de Onis
May 29, 2015