The De Minimis Dilemma: Small Packages, Big Trade Debates
If you have been wondering what De Minimis means and how it affects you or your business? This episode gives you an overview. In this episode, Amar sits down with Carlos Grau Tanner, Director-General, Global Express Association (GEA) to discuss De Minimis and the tariffs placed on them by President Trump in April 2025. They explain what 'de minimis' is, how it affects consumers, MSMEs, and its impact on trade policy. Key TakeawaysDe minimis provisions are crucial in trade policy.Threshold values for de minimis vary by country.These provisions help small businesses absorb costs.E-commerce growth is linked to de minimis rules.Changes to de minimis can impact consumer prices.Local businesses advocate for a level playing field.Customs efficiency is vital for trade facilitation.Follow us on: Twitter: @TKENewsLinkedIN: Trade Knowledge Exchange Check out our website.Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, events@trade-knowledge.netPlease, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.
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31:40
Trump, Tariffs and Trade: 100 Days and Counting
In this episode, Amar sits down with experts, Prof. Alan Winters, former Co-Director of the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP), Emeritus Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex, and Prof. Lorand Bartels, Professor of International Law at Cambridge and a Counsel at Freshfields LLP and Chair of the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission. They discuss:The first hundred days of Trump's administration have seen significant changes in trade policy.Tariffs have been a central focus, with various motivations behind their implementation.The unpredictability of Trump's trade policy has caused chaos in financial markets.Countries are reacting differently to US tariffs based on their economic and security interests.The EU and Canada have taken significant steps in response to US tariffs, indicating a shift in global trade dynamics.The concept of reciprocal tariffs reflects a transactional approach to trade negotiations.The long-term implications of US trade policy could undermine the rules-based trading system.And more Follow us on: Twitter: @TKENewsLinkedIN: Trade Knowledge Exchange Check out our website.Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, events@trade-knowledge.netPlease, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.
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51:55
How Asia Is Responding to US Tariffs
Global trade tensions are rising following the announcement of President Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs!In this episode, Amar sits down with friends of the podcast and trade experts, Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation and Dr. Anirudh Shingal, Professor of Economics, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research. They discuss the recent implementation of tariffs by the US on its trading partners, particularly focusing on the impact on Asian countries. They highlight the complexities of these tariffs, the varying effects on different countries, and the potential for regional responses and reforms. Both Deborah and Anirudh provide insights into how countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia are navigating these challenges, the importance of regional integration, and the prospects for future trade agreements.Key TakeawaysThe US tariffs are based on bilateral deficits, not trade restrictions.Asian countries face significant tariff rates, impacting their economies.Cambodia and Vietnam are particularly affected by high tariffs.Countries may need to absorb tariff-induced price hikes or reduce import duties.ASEAN countries have diverse interests and challenges regarding tariffs.China's market dependency complicates Southeast Asia's trade strategies.Countries should use tariffs as an opportunity for internal reforms.Regional integration is essential for navigating trade challenges.India is actively pursuing trade agreements with multiple countries.Revisiting the India-ASEAN trade agreement could improve market access. Governments should focus on small businesses in trade policies.Legal language must be accessible to small businesses.Reconsidering non-starter ideas in trade is essential.India's trade policy needs significant reforms to compete globally.Services trade is crucial for economic growth in India.Removing barriers to services trade can boost manufacturing.Competition in global trade is increasing due to tariffs.Developing economies must be integrated into services trade.Current events may signify a historical turning point in trade.Leadership is needed to navigate the future of multilateralism.Follow us on: Twitter: @TKENewsLinkedIN: Trade Knowledge Exchange Check out our website.Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, events@trade-knowledge.netPlease, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.
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40:44
Services Trade: The Invisible Trade
What exactly is trade in services? Why is it relevant when discussing trade and development, especially in Africa? How does it work? If you have asked these questions, then this episode provides some of the answers. In this episode, Amar sits down with services experts, Beatrice Chaytor, Head of Trade in Services, AfCFTA and Prachi Agarwal, Research Fellow, International Economic Development Group, ODI Global. They discuss:The critical role of services trade in Africa's economic development, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The importance of services in driving structural transformation, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic diversification.The challenges and opportunities with services trade And much more Key TakeawaysTrade policy extends beyond Washington DC to global contexts.Services trade is a rapidly growing component of the economy.Africa's services exports account for a small percentage of global trade.The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) aims to enhance regional trade.Services can drive economic growth and diversification in Africa.Investment in services can create jobs, especially for women and youth.The ACFTA includes protocols on trade in services and investment.Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play a crucial role in trade integration.Challenges include regulatory barriers and lack of awareness about services.Follow us on: Twitter: @TKENewsLinkedIN: Trade Knowledge Exchange Check out our website.Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, events@trade-knowledge.netPlease, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.
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50:39
Trump Wins: Trade Strategy Under His Administration
In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Meredith Lilly, Professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy, Carleton University and Simon Lester, Founder, WorldTradeLaw.net and China Trade Monitor. He is also a non-resident Fellow at the Baker Institute. They delve into the implications of the recent US elections on global trade policy, particularly focusing on tariffs under the Trump administration.
Key Takeaways
Trump's administration views tariffs as a multipurpose economic tool.
The proposed tariffs could significantly impact American households.
Canada and Mexico are particularly vulnerable to US tariff policies.
Risk mitigation strategies are essential for trade partners.
The USMCA provides a framework for ongoing trade negotiations.
Digital services taxes may provoke US retaliation.
China's trade practices will be a focal point in negotiations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trade Policy Post-Elections
02:35 Trump's Tariff Strategy and Its Implications
05:01 Routes for Tariff Implementation
07:56 Impact of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico
10:41 Risk Mitigation Strategies for Trade Partners
13:00 Negotiation Strategies with the Trump Administration
15:33 USMCA: Challenges and Opportunities
18:18 Future of USMCA and Trade Relations
26:20 Leveraging Canada's Energy and Resources
32:14 The Role of Services in Modern Trade Policy
40:33 Emerging Trade Clubs and Global Trade Governance
47:28 The Future of USMCA and Global Alliances
Follow us on:
Twitter: @TKENews
LinkedIN: Trade Knowledge Exchange
Check out our website.
Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, events@trade-knowledge.net
Please, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.
Trade Knowledge Matters is a fortnightly podcast under the Trade Knowledge Exchange, an initiative that brings together partner organisations across three continents to supply objective analysis on international trade matters. We discuss international trade and the challenges it faces, policy insights and analysis of international trade policy, specifically exploring UK trade policy.
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