First launched in 2016, the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index ranks each economy’s ability to participate in global trade in a way that creates sustainable growth, encourages foreign direct investment, and attracts support from multilateral development agencies. Built by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the index measures the readiness of 19 economies in Asia and the United States to trade sustainably.
Underwear, panties, intimates, undergarments, bras, lingerie, undies – whatever you call it, American women buy a lot of it every year. Much of it comes from Sri Lanka. In recent years, Sri Lanka has shown it not only makes intimates designed to accentuate a woman’s curves — it’s also getting ahead of the sustainability curve.
Last year, almost 70 percent of the players in England’s Premier League were from other countries. Could this be causing a hollowing out of talent when the World Cup rolls around? Does the home country need to be more “protected” by setting aside more spots for local talent? Or does a “free trade” approach drive up the level of competition?
Countries that have hosted the Olympics — and even those that bid and lose — enjoy a permanent increase in national exports of around 30 percent. That’s potentially more impactful than entering into trade agreements.
Changes are underway which could substantially diminish the relevance of export-led development strategies for countries in East Asia.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans headed to Starbucks for a seasonal pumpkin spice latte, the benefits of trade are right in your hand. Whether it’s Starbucks or a boutique coffee shop, the coffee we drink is imported. Because while the United States excels at growing many crops, coffee beans aren’t one of them.
Every minute and hour count in the aftermath of life-threatening emergencies such as large scale natural disasters. Behind the scenes, private donors and relief organizations work to navigate customs requirements and procedures at the borders of countries struck by disaster. But customs bottlenecks are among the most common obstacles cited by the humanitarian community to delivering aid quickly.
A NAFTA negotiation could address the “microeconomic” factors that affect trade flows would increase the level of trade between the United States and Mexico and make U.S. consumers better off, but it wouldn’t have much effect on the balance of trade. On the other hand, economic growth in Mexico would achieve that effect by stimulating demand for more U.S. products.
They say variety is the spice of life. As millions of households around the world can increasingly afford to diversify their diets, stimulating global demand for more meat, fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. It’s an opportunity farmers in America and in developing countries are preparing to seize.
More than half of the world’s cut flowers still pass through auction houses in The Netherlands before reaching your local floral shop or grocery. That’s starting to change. Digital trade and lower transportation costs are helping developing countries like Colombia, Kenya, Ecuador and Ethiopia sell directly to buyers and blossom in global flower trade.