The Trade Guys - podcast cover

The Trade Guys

CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studieswww.csis.org
Trade experts Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch break down the buzz around trade, how it affects policy, and how it impacts your day-to-day. The Trade Guys is a weekly podcast from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C.
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Episodes

China Legislation, Harley-Davidson vs. EU, and Staff Updates at the USTR

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys follow up on bipartisan China legislation in Congress and discuss what it could mean for U.S. businesses and investors. Plus, they break down the new fight between Harley-Davidson and the European Union over tariffs. And, the Trade Guys discuss new appointments and nominees at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Apr 22, 202127 min

Semiconductor Shortages, Congress' China Bill, and USTR Action on the Environment

In this episode, guest host Jasmine Lim and the Trade Guys follow up on the ITC battery case and discuss the shortage of semiconductors hurting auto manufacturers and the tech industry. They also talk about new legislation in Congress to counter China. Plus, they get into the future of environment and trade policies that USTR will consider.

Apr 14, 202127 min

Battery Debate, Vaccines at the WTO, and Trade Poll Results

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys follow up on the impacts of the Suez Canal blockage and discuss the pending Biden decision on an ITC fight over batteries. Plus, they discuss what the future of vaccine distributions will look like at the WTO. And, the Trade Guys react to a recent Gallup Poll results on U.S. trade views.

Apr 08, 202134 min

The Boat is Afloat, Crackdown in Burma, and Digital Trade Talks

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys discuss the Suez Canal blockage and its implications for trade and manufacturing. They also get into the recent TIFA suspension with Burma and discuss the G7 and the future of digital trade negotiations. The Trade Guys also say goodbye, good luck, and thank you to Jack!

Apr 01, 202129 min

China Coalition, USTR Calls, and Intel’s Bet

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys discuss the U.S., EU, UK, and Canada’s coordinated action against China for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Plus, they’ll break down a flurry of diplomacy from Katherine Tai, the new U.S. Trade Representative. And they’ll take a look at Intel’s decision to invest in two new semiconductor fabs in Arizona.

Mar 25, 202126 min

Showdown in Alaska and Running Faster

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys preview the first face-to-face meeting between the Biden Administration and top officials from China. Plus, they’ll discuss reports of a domestic investment package being put together by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and calls for Covid-19 relief funds to go only to American companies.

Mar 18, 202134 min

Beige Book, Semiconductor Targets, and a Boeing-Airbus Truce

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys look at the Fed’s most recent Beige Book, which references shortages and supply chain disruptions a record number of times. Plus, they’ll break down new plans from the EU and China to boost domestic semiconductor production and establish independent technology supply chains. And, they’ll react to the U.S. reaching a temporary truce with the UK and EU in the longstanding Boeing-Airbus dispute.

Mar 11, 202128 min

The Next USTR, China Continuity, and Carbon Pricing Momentum

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys review the confirmation hearing of Katherine Tai, President Biden’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative. Plus, they’ll take a look at the administration’s diplomatic outreach to meet the China trade and technology challenge. And, Andrew and the Trade Guys react to the administration’s decision to let a controversial Trump-era supply chain rule proceed. Finally, they respond to the Biden administration’s signal of support for a carbon border adjustment me...

Mar 04, 202128 min

Biden-Trudeau, Korean Battery Brawl, and New Administration, Same WTO Game

Andrew and the Trade Guys break down President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent meeting. Plus, they explain the significance of a dispute between advanced battery makers LG Chem and SK Innovation. And, they react to the Biden administration’s to pursue a national security defense at the WTO in a dispute with Hong Kong.

Feb 25, 202123 min

Complying with the USMCA is the New Priority

In this crossover episode with the newest CSIS podcast, Mexico Matters, host Mariana Campero speaks with Ken Smith, Mexico’s Chief USMCA negotiator and with the CSIS Trade Guys, Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch, about the new USMCA— which was signed two years ago by President Lopez Obrador. They dive deep into how some of his policies run counter to the spirit of free competition and risk hindering US investments and other key interests. They also discuss the focus on compliance by the new Biden Ad...

Feb 23, 202137 min

Rare Earths, Economic Versus National Security, and the WTO Vaccine Debate

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down reports that China is mulling export restrictions on rare earth minerals, a move that could imperil production of U.S. military planes and other high-tech goods. They’ll analyze how the Biden administration is reforming the Trump administration’s view that economic security is a component of national security. Plus, the Trade Guys will react to the WTO’s incoming director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, latest comments on the WTO’s role in vacc...

Feb 18, 202131 min

Trump’s Final Grade, USTR Staffs Up, and the WTO’s New Day

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys give former President Trump his final trade policy grade now that there’s data for his entire term. Plus, they’ll break down new staffing announcements at USTR and what it signals about the Biden Administration’s approach to trade policy. Plus, the Trade Guys react to WTO members coalescing around Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General.

Feb 10, 202126 min

Sullivan and Yang, Tariff Turnaround, and Container Costs

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys react to new comments on the U.S.-China relationship from President Biden’s National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, and China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. The Trade Guys also break down Biden’s decision to reimpose aluminum tariffs on the UAE, and explain why it’s now more profitable to send empty shipping containers to China compared to containers full of goods.

Feb 03, 202122 min

Biden’s Turn at Buy American

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down President Biden’s new Buy American executive order. They explain what the order does and how it might impact the U.S. economy and supply chains. Plus, they’ll explain what’s behind the EU’s new consideration of export restrictions on vaccines. The Trade Guys will also discuss why China overtaking the U.S. top destination for foreign investment isn’t cause for panic.

Jan 27, 202130 min

Life After Tariff Man

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys discuss trade policy after President Trump, how President Biden’s climate agenda will intersect with trade policy, and what to expect from next week’s “Buy American” executive order.

Jan 21, 202128 min

EU Catch Up, Brexit Breakup, and Automobile Breakdown

In this episode, the Trade Guys unpack the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, review the first two weeks of the UK’s exit from the EU, and take a look at the global semiconductor shortage that’s stalled automobile production around the world.

Jan 19, 202131 min

Combatting Forced Labor with CBP’s Brenda Smith

Brenda Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, joins the Trade Guys to discuss an important issue – how the United States investigates and prevents imports of products made with forced labor.

Jan 07, 202130 min

Biden's Pick for USTR and the 2020 Year in Review

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys react to Katherine Tai, Biden's nominee for USTR, and reflect on the past year's trade news. They'll also give a few predictions for the year ahead and what's to come under a new administration.

Dec 18, 202029 min

Trade Rebound and Vaccine Diplomacy

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down the latest trade data. Were predictions of Covid-19 causing globalization’s demise premature? Plus, they’ll explain efforts at the WTO to waive IP protections for Covid-related medical goods and President Trump’s new effort to prevent vaccine exports until all Americans have been vaccinated.

Dec 10, 202025 min

EU Reset, Taiwan Brawl, and the First 100 Days

In this episode, the Trade Guys react to the EU’s proposal for a wide-ranging policy reset with the incoming Biden administration. Plus, they’ll make sense of a melee that broke out on the floor of the Taiwanese Parliament last week over a proposal to allow imports of U.S. pork treated with a certain additive. And, Bill and Scott explain what they’d do on trade policy if they were president for a day.

Dec 02, 202026 min

RCEP & Biden’s Trade Transition Gets Underway

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys breakdown what RCEP – a new mega trade deal in Asia – means for the U.S. economically and strategically. Plus, they’ll analyze what’s happening on Biden’s trade transition team and how they’ll shape policy and personnel in the administration. And, they’ll take a look at a new ban on investment into certain Chinese companies.

Nov 20, 202026 min

Exit Trump, Enter Biden

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys react to Vice President Biden winning the presidential election. They’ll break down how he’ll approach a packed trade agenda, a divided Congress, and China.

Nov 11, 202027 min

WTO DG Drama, the UK Goes Solo, and Trump in Review

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys break down the U.S. decision to block the consensus pick for the next WTO Director-General. Plus, they’ll review the UK’s first post-Brexit trade deal with Japan. And they’ll review the last four years of trade policy under the Trump administration.

Oct 29, 202027 min

Brazil Mini-Deal, China's Own Entity List, and an Ag Check In

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys break down the Trump administration's new mini deal with Brazil. They explain what's in it, why it matters, and why some lawmakers and private sector stakeholders aren't pleased with the agreement. Plus, we'll explain China's move to establish its own entity list, which could blacklist U.S. companies. And, farmers are receiving record levels of support - will the election change their trade fortunes?

Oct 22, 202025 min

U.S.-EU Conflict in the Skies and Online

In this episode, guest host Jack Caporal and the Trade Guys break down the latest news in the Boeing-Airbus dispute and catch up on negotiations for a digital services tax.

Oct 14, 202029 min

Trade Pickup, Blueberry Blues, and 301 Redux

In this episode, Andrew and Trade Guys break down the latest trade numbers. Plus they’ll dig into a new safeguard investigation concerning blueberries . And, they’ll catch up on the latest Section 301 news regarding Vietnam and new domestic lawsuits.

Oct 07, 202024 min

Live with Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter

In this episode, the Trade Guys are joined by Sweden’s Ambassador to the United States, Karin Olofsdotter, for a special taping from the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Executive Forum. Bill, Scott, and Ambassador Olofsdotter discuss how Swedish companies are navigating the U.S. market amid protectionist rhetoric and the election, how to improve U.S.-EU cooperation in light of China’s growing economic influence, and how Covid-19 is reshaping global trade.

Oct 05, 202023 min

The WTO Rules on China Tariffs, The Air Cargo Option, and Drama in Geneva

In this episode, Andrew and the Trade Guys unpack the WTO’s decision to rule U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods illegal. And, they’ll explain why airlines should think twice about going all in on air cargo despite some success. Plus, they’ll catch up on the WTO Director-General race and react to the first round of cuts.

Sep 24, 202027 min

232 Update with Jean Simard and Denis Tremblay: An 11th Hour Deal and Ongoing Investigation

Andrew and the Trade Guys are joined by two Canadian industry heads to break down the latest trade news. Jean Simard, President of the Aluminium Association of Canada will break down the administration’s 11th hour move to avoid Canadian retaliation over aluminum tariffs. And Denis Tremblay, the President of Association de l’Industrie Electrique du Quebec, catches us up on the 232 investigation into transformers.

Sep 16, 202027 min

The Trade Deficit 3.5 Years Later, Biden’s Tax Move, and More China Bans

The Trade Guys and Andrew explain why the U.S. trade deficit continues to expand years after the Trump administration pledged to shrink it. Plus, they’ll unpack Biden’s new tax plan, which is aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing. And, the gang will break down two moves the administration is considering on China – a ban on U.S. exports of chip manufacturing equipment to China’s biggest chipmaker, and a ban on imports of products from Xinjiang made with forced labor. To register for the CSIS Crash...

Sep 09, 202025 min
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