NEW ARTICLE
A major U-turn on US-China tariffs, but questions remain
by Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation
NEW PAPER
Germany’s dilemma over strategic recalibration with China
by Max Zenglein, Chief Economist and Mikko Huotari, Executive Director, MERICS
NEW PAPER
"Make in India" relies on "Made in China"
by Akhil Ramesh, Director of India Program and Economic Statecraft Initiative, Pacific Forum
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Media come to us for fresh thinking and deep analysis into the issues impacting global trade outcomes. Read our recent experts’ commentaries. Drawn from a wide range of disciplines and sectors, our experts offer valuable views and opinions on achieving sustainable global trade.

Christmas ends early for Chinese exporters as Western demand slumps

19 December 2023
As big spenders in the US and Europe seek price cuts, emerging markets in Southeast Asia and domestic consumption will become more and more important for Chinese traders, says Senior Research Fellow Stephen Olson. Overall, exports are likely to become less important as a growth engine for the Chinese economy.

4 questions we must ask as values move to the centre of the trade agenda

14 December 2023
A profound shift in global trade is underway, away from exclusively economic considerations towards a values-based approach to trade. While often well-intentioned, this also comes with significant complications beyond the obvious economic ramifications, Stephen Olson writes in this op-ed.

Biden Declares Victory Over Supply Snarls Just as New Delays, Costs Emerge

28 November 2023
Bloomberg announced their winning of the 2023 Hinrich trade reporting award. One story explored the subtle structural shifts in global commerce. Another told of how Brazil was turning to China for foreign investment. A third dug into data showing how the world is reorganizing into rival blocs.

America’s crumbling trade initiative in Asia

23 November 2023
There is no lack of American engagement in Asian capitals on security and geopolitics. There has been much less evidence of an economic dimension to the US’s Asian diplomacy—despite a strong desire for one across the region. Hinrich Foundation Head of Trade Policy Deborah Elms comments.

Old photo, birthday wish, ravioli lunch: Personal diplomacy on display during Xi-Biden meeting

17 November 2023
The many touches of personal diplomacy on display during the highly anticipated meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi are attempts to emphasise the more cooperative aspects of Sino-US relationship, noted Stephen Olson. But the fundamental points of conflict exist and will not disappear overnight.
Tariffs, Trade, and Global Upheaval: What Next?
06 May 2025
As the global trade landscape reels from likely irreparable harm, our Trade Policy Head Deborah Elms and Senior Research Fellow Keith Rockwell sit with Bloomberg’s senior China correspondent James Mayger to discuss how the world is trying to navigate the global chaos of tariff and other policy changes imposed by the Trump administration. This webinar is organized by the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents-USA in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation.
Reforming trade architecture in a time of global chaos
08 April 2025
Chatham House held its Global Trade Conference two weeks ago, focusing this year on the growing global geopolitical fragmentation. Senior Research Fellow Keith Rockwell headlined the first panel at the conference, addressing the chaos in global trade, the need for reform in the architecture of the multilateral trade order, and the rising imperative of economic security concerns.
Assessing Trump's 'America First' trade policy
11 March 2025
Trump 2.0 promised a bold trade agenda and a strategic game plan for implementing radical trade policies. Deborah Elms, our Head of Trade Policy, sits with Nikkei Asia Washington bureau chief Ryohei Yasoshima to size up what Trump’s first month back in office has meant for global trade, in an interview under our partnership with the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents-USA (AFPC-USA).