China-US Trade: No Quick Fix!

23 May 2019 President Trump's decision to raise tariffs to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese imports, and his suggestion an additional $300 billion of purchases could soon be subjected to similar levies has brought the trade conflict to a new level. China is certain to retaliate. Understandably , the escalation of the trade war [...]

After USMCA, Taking Aim at China?

11 October 2018 After years of describing NAFTA as "the worst trade deal in history", the Trump Administration along with Canada and Mexico signed the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The White House, naturally, hails the accord as a historic triumph for American workers and farmers. Critics view the deal as a simple rebranding of [...]

Germany: It’s Time to Act Boldly!

22 July 2018 President Trump has taken aim at Europe. In reality, however, most of his ire has been directed at Germany. The President objects to America's $66bn bilateral trade deficit (the fourth largest amongst US trading partners), as well as Germany's failure to meet its NATO spending commitment.  During his recent European trip, he [...]

USA and European Union: With Friends Like These…..

24 June 2018 Even in comparison with the recent deterioration in diplomatic norms, the breakdown of the recent Group of 7 meeting was breath-taking.  The long-planned gathering, cut short by US President Trump's early departure for his hastily planned Singapore summit with North Korea, began with Donald Trump's advocacy to include Russia in future occasions.  [...]