With Zoom, We Are All Trading in Services
During the Covid-19 pandemic, technology keeps the world connected and allows global trade in services to continue. The WTO outlines four modes of delivery for services trade.
Posts
Free Trade in Medicines and Supplies is the Healthiest Approach
The WTO zero-for-zero tariff agreement on trade in health-related products needs to be expanded. Free trade will help promote recovery after COVID-19.
Fiddling with Irish Music Royalties in the WTO
How the Irish Music Rights Organization took on U.S. copyright law in the WTO – and won – yet your favorite pub is still allowed to play Irish music for you for free.
Erasing the Global Gains from the WTO Government Procurement Agreement?
The WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) covers $1.7 trillion in global government procurement trade across 48 countries, including the United States. But the Trump Administration may pull out of the GPA to support “Buy American” – a move that will come with unintended consequences for U.S. businesses.
U.S. Wine Industry is Drowning its Sorrows Over Transatlantic Trade Spat
European wine is getting caught in a decades old trade dispute. But tariffs on imported wines from France, Germany, or Spain are a lose-lose for the U.S. wine industry. European winemakers may just shift their exports to avoid U.S. tariff pain and grow their market share in emerging economies like China.
Is It Just a Phase? Redesigning Trade Deals in the Age of Trump
The U.S. and China signed a trade deal on Jan 15. Attempting to rewire China’s economic system cannot be achieved in one pass – an agreement this ambitious would have to be built in phases. What does that mean for the future of trade deals?
Spanish Olives in the Pits Over U.S.-EU Trade Tensions
Ripe olives are a critical ingredient for olive oil. They’ve also been ripe with trade tension over the past two years. Spanish black olives, green olives and olive oil have all been embroiled in two recent trade disputes between the United States and the European Union (EU), resulting in higher tariffs and increased prices of Spanish olives and olive oils for U.S. consumers.
Life After Brexit for the EU and UK
In 2016 the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU). The three years of negotiation that ensued have thus far been about the terms of a “withdrawal agreement” which provides for a transition trade agreement. The longer-term trade arrangements between the EU and the UK are still up for negotiation.
Carousel Retaliation: Tariff Uncertainty on Another Ride
In response to WTO-illegal European subsidies to its aircraft industry, the U.S. administration is reportedly considering what is known as “carousel” retaliation against the EU – a regular rotation of goods targeted for tariffs, designed to impose maximum pain. The United States and Europe have been on this ride before.
Peeling Away Trade Protections for Bananas
Simple in appearance, pleasantly sweet, nutritious, and nearly universal in appeal, that Cavendish bunch of bananas on your counter comes off as pretty unassuming. In reality, it has been through jungle wars and trade wars and now sits on the precipice of extinction. Growing to love more varieties could help save trade in bananas.