Introduction In the 21st century, control over critical minerals like rare earths has become a strategic asset. China, through decades of calculated policy, investment, and industrial consolidation, has emerged as the dominant force in the global supply of rare earth elements. These minerals—such as gallium, germanium, graphite, and antimony—are essential for manufacturing semiconductors, electric … Read more
When you pick up your smartphone, drive your car, or sip your morning coffee, you’re interacting with a product that likely traveled across multiple borders before reaching your hands. In today’s interconnected world, the origins of goods are rarely confined to one country. Instead, they are the result of intricate global supply chains that span … Read more
In a remarkable geopolitical pivot, China has begun using the very trade weapons once wielded by the United States against it. Tariffs, industrial policy, supply chain control, and export restrictions—tools long associated with American economic strategy—are now central to Beijing’s playbook. But while China’s tactics have yielded short-term leverage, they also expose the country to … Read more
The Trump administration’s tariff policy—designed to reshape global trade and strengthen domestic manufacturing—is now facing a pivotal legal challenge. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit declared that many of the administration’s tariffs were imposed without proper legal authority. This decision has injected fresh uncertainty into the administration’s economic … Read more
Dubbed the “Trump Round” of trade negotiations, President Donald Trump’s strategy aims to reassert U.S. dominance in global trade. His administration believes that by dismantling the old trade order—once loosely governed by the World Trade Organization—the U.S. could bend global markets to its will. However, this protectionist trade policy has had unintended consequences. While some … Read more
A New Era of Protectionism In 2025, President Trump’s return to the White House reignited a bold protectionist agenda. His administration imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with additional levies targeting strategic sectors and countries like China, Mexico, and the EU. The average effective tariff rate now exceeds 23%, nearly ten times … Read more
Panama, long defined by the Panama Canal, is once again in the global spotlight—not just for its role in international trade, but for its strategic position amid growing U.S.-China rivalry. As global powers expand their influence, Panama finds itself at a pivotal moment, balancing diplomacy, development, and domestic reform. The Canal’s Strategic Weight The Panama … Read more
As new tariffs loom, businesses brace for disruption, uncertainty, and rising costs The global trade landscape is once again in flux. With President Donald Trump’s second-term trade agenda accelerating, a new wave of tariffs is poised to hit U.S. importers and global supply chains hard. The administration’s latest moves—targeting specific countries and products—are creating … Read more
Introduction The Trump administration’s plan to tax imports arriving in Chinese-owned or Chinese-built ships aims to protect US jobs and revive shipyards. However, this inward-looking strategy may do more harm than good. The Largest Container Ships: A Comparison Kaimana Hila: Built in Philadelphia in 2019, this ship can transport 3,220 containers. It represents the pinnacle … Read more
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has taken a new turn, with the U.S. adopting indirect strategies to curb China’s influence. This approach involves leveraging trade deals with other countries to reduce their reliance on Chinese supply chains. For instance, the recent U.S. deal with Vietnam imposes 20% tariffs on … Read more
Navigating Global Trade with Insight and Precision