Trade Bites

The US Government has put tariffs front and centre of its economic policy since Trump's second administration began at the start of last year. After implementing tariffs in April 2025, the US has subsequently raised and...

President Trump’s keen concern for the US’s substantial trade deficit with the rest of the world played a key role in driving the US tariffs imposed last year, which have disrupted trade and upended the international...

In today's episode, we examine the result of the World Trade Organization's recent ministerial conference in Cameroon, MC14. It ended with no agreement on WTO reform, and no agreement either to continue a long-standing...

In this episode, we look at proposals for the UK to join a customs union with the EU. We clarify what is a customs union and discuss whether could it improve trade between the EU and the UK and boost to our economy, as...

This episode discusses the reset package under negotiation between the UK and the EU. Last May, the two sides agreed to align their regulatory systems in a number of sectors, aimed at minimising friction at the border...

Critical minerals are ‘critical’ to the manufacture of vital 21st century products as electric vehicles, mobile phones, solar panels, clean technology, and defence equipment. These mineral reserves are also found in...

In January, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries who opposed his demand to take control of Greenland. Whilst this threat was later dropped, following discussions with NATO SC, what is the role...

This episode of Trade Bites looks at competition and industrial policy. China's strong industrial policies and state-backed dominance have fuelled global competition. Recently, this has led to the US, Europe and...

In today's episode of Trade Bites, we're discussing the Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin (PEM) and whether the UK should join. The PEM makes it easier for UK firms to use inputs from the PEM...

What does the British public think about trade? In a democracy, what people think or feel about any area of policy really matters. Trade policy is an external wing of economic policy, and everyone cares about whether...

In this special extended episode, recorded in front of a live audience at the World Trade Organization Public Forum, we consider the present state of the multilateral trading system and the role of the WTO. The majority...

This podcast discusses conformity assessment which is important to ensure manufacturers of industrial goods comply with international standards, and that compliance is verified. The issue of mutual recognition of...

July 20, 2025, is six months since Trump’s inauguration for a second term in the White House. Since then, all previous norms of trade engagement have gone out of the window with the imposition (or threat) of tariffs on...

In May, Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched a reset of the EU-UK relationship which included an agreement to begin negotiations on a deal on agri-food standards - an ‘SPS...

Last month, Britain thus became the first trade partner to do a deal with the new Trump administration. The deal was limited in its scope - but nevertheless highly significant, given that Trump has hitherto been keener...