Trade Knowledge Matters

In this episode, Amar discusses with Dr Matthias Bauer, Director, ECIPE and Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation on the concept of economic security and its implications. It explores the EU's measures and policy settings for economic security, as well as global trends in this area. The challenges and opportunities of economic security are examined, along with the growing intertwining of economic and security issues. And much more.

Takeaways

• Economic security is a complex and evolving concept that encompasses various concerns, including competitiveness, resilience, and protection of critical infrastructure.
• The EU has implemented measures and policies to address economic security, but there are challenges in effectively managing economic security and promoting innovation.
• The growing intertwining of economic and security issues is a global trend, with countries like the US, China, and Japan also pursuing economic security strategies.
• The use of subsidies in economic security can have unintended consequences and distort trade, making it important to consider the trade-offs and costs involved.
• Economists can contribute to the discussion on economic security by providing practical examples, highlighting the benefits of economic interdependence, and advocating for international cooperation and harmonisation of regulations.

To kick off, Season 3 of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar Breckenridge discusses with Prof. David Luke, LSE and Colette van der Ven, Tulip Consulting on the impact and aftermath of CoP28 conclusions on Sub-Sahara Africa. This episode delves into the intersection of trade, climate policies, and their impact on sub-Saharan African economies. COP28 progress, particularly in fossil fuel transition, is highlighted, but gaps persist in low carbon transitions and carbon trading.

Key Takeaways:

• The interplay between trade and climate policies is complex and crucial.
• COP28 exhibited progress in fossil fuel transition but lacked in low carbon transitions and carbon trading.
• African economies need increased climate finance to bridge the gap for adaptation and loss and damage.
• Unilateral trade measures pose challenges, requiring careful consideration to avoid adverse impacts.
• A new trade deal for Africa should prioritize internal trade growth, sustainable sector investment, and integration of trade, environment, and development objectives.
• Successful outcomes hinge on addressing negotiating capacity and administrative constraints.
• Optimism exists for the future of African economies, requiring innovative approaches to policymaking and negotiation.

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Aproop Bhave, Chief Economist, UK Trade Remedies Authority and Lorand Bartels, Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge and Counsel, Freshfields LLP. In this episode they cover:

• The application of the Economic Interest Test (EIT) mandated by UK legislation and analyse the lessons learned from its implementation in the UK context.
• The challenges faced in transitioning to a low carbon economy, focusing on subsidies for green industries and the dilemma of balancing static and dynamic benefits against potential adverse effects on domestic producers
• The effectiveness of environmental regulations in trade, investigating the role of trade remedies in analysing distortions in foreign markets, market definition, and injury to domestic producers.
• And much more covered.

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Faten Aggad, previously with the Africa Climate Foundation as a Senior Advisor and Jodie Anne Keane, Senior Research Fellow at the ODI, about the African continents approach to climate issues and trade policy. In this episode they cover:

• Review of the call to actions from the recent Africa Climate Summit.
• The importance of Africa’s position in the global carbon market
• The impact of the EU’s CBAM on African economies.
• Building climate resilience while adapting to the changing patterns of comparative advantage 
• Looking ahead to the future and CoP 28 and the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference - Africa’s perspective on trade and climate 
• And much more covered.

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Eunice Huang, Lead of Digital Trade and Policy at Google and Prof. Erik van der Marel, Chief Economist at ECIPE about the impact of digital infrastructure on trade and the digital economy. In this episode they cover:

• The impact of generative AI on Trade.
• The opportunities for small business.
• Increased efficiency and actioning of Mode 1 trade.
• The issues surrounding regulating the digital economy and data flows.
• The impact of digital regulation fragmentation on small players and implementing foundational multilateral rules.

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Keith Rockwell, Senior Research Fellow, Hinrich Foundation and David Skillling, Founder and Director, Landfall Strategy, about the "New Washington Convergence", in-depth review of US Trade Policy following the Inflation Reduction Act. In this episode;

• Discussion on the current state of US Trade Policy and how we got here.
• Discussion on the Inflation Reduction Act and the mixed bag of policies it offers
• Discussion on how tenable is 'friendshoring' as a policy dictum.
• Discussion on the response of the WTO to the new trends in international trade and adaptation of the rules to the new. And so on.

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Sophie Hale (Resolution Foundation), Sophie Clark (UK Trade Policy Observatory) and Chris Horseman (Borderlex) about the current state of UK Trade Policy. In this episode;

• Discussion on the UK's trade performance since leaving the EU.
• Discussion on UKTPO's recent research focused on the challenges for UK businesses in the current trade context.
• Discussion on the factors that adversely affect UK businesses competitiveness.
• Discussion on the UK's services trade and the comparative advantage which could benefit growth.
• Discussion on the challenges posed by the current state of international trade relations.
• Discussion on trade policy priorities for the UK. 

You can find the research referenced in this episode here: