Trade | Council on Foreign Relations

Biden’s Indo-Pacific Trade Play

One year after the Joe Biden administration unveiled its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the agreement still doesn’t look like a traditional trade deal and could end up falling short of its ambitions.

Article by Inu Manak Nov 8, 2023

Mathias Döpfner on Global Trade

In this CFR event, Mathias Döpfner examines trade, political polarization, the role of media in foreign policy.

Event with Mathias Döpfner Sep 18, 2023

A Turning Point for Global Trade

As the United States and other countries invest in industrial policy, Why It Matters takes a look at the changing landscape of global trade.

Podcast by Gabrielle Sierra, Asher Ross, Markus Zakaria, Molly McAnany, Jennifer Hillman, Inu Manak, and Edward Alden Nov 8, 2023

RealEcon

The Rise of Economic Security

Economics and security are increasingly colliding as governments grapple with a range of risks.

Article by Jonathan E. Hillman January 21, 2025 RealEcon
Donald Trump

Trump’s Executive Orders: What to Expect

President-elect Trump has promised to commence his new term with an expansive array of executive actions, some of which could have immediate effects on U.S. foreign policy.

In Brief by Jonathan Masters and Diana Roy January 17, 2025
United States

Trump and the Future of the USMCA

President Trump has threatened new tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. His trade plans threaten the future of the United States’ largest free trade agreement.

Expert Brief by Shannon K. O'Neil and Julia Huesa January 17, 2025

Experts in this Topic

Edward Alden

Senior Fellow

Alyssa Ayres

Adjunct Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

Thomas J. Bollyky

Bloomberg Chair in Global Health; Senior Fellow for International Economics, Law, and Development; and Director of the Global Health Program

Jendayi E. Frazer

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Africa Studies

Michael Froman

President, Council on Foreign Relations

Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Inu Manak

Fellow for Trade Policy

Shannon K. O'Neil

Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair

Brad W. Setser

Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow

Benn Steil

Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

Southeast Asia

What Is ASEAN?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization that brings together disparate neighbors to address economic and security issues, but the group’s impact remains limited.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors January 15, 2025
China

China’s Growing Influence in Latin America

For more than two decades, China has developed close economic and security ties with many Latin American countries, including Brazil and Venezuela. But Beijing’s growing sway in the region has raised concerns in Washington and beyond.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy January 10, 2025
Election 2024

Vietnam Struggles to Avoid the Trump Administration’s Glare

Vietnam’s rising trade surplus with the United States may threaten its close strategic and economic bilateral ties under the second Trump administration.

Post by Joshua Kurlantzick January 7, 2025 Asia Unbound

Middle East and North Africa

What We’re Watching Around the Globe in 2025

To gain some insight into the year ahead, CFR fellows highlight some of the global developments they will be looking out for.

Article by Michael Froman December 20, 2024
World Trade Organization (WTO)

Soaring Abuse of “National Security” Exceptions Has Wrecked the Multilateral Trading System

Since 2019, there has been a massive surge in “National Security” notifications at the WTO. Many of these are covers for rank protectionism.

Post by Benn Steil and Elisabeth Harding December 19, 2024 Geo-Graphics
China

China’s Stunning 2024 Export Growth

Chinese exports are growing much faster in volume than in dollar terms. Europe is losing out.

Post by Brad W. Setser and Michael Weilandt December 17, 2024 Follow the Money
Latin America

Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc

Three decades after its founding, Latin America’s largest trade bloc continues to seek new global agreements. The recent conclusion of a deal with the European Union could help, but it faces roadblocks.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors December 12, 2024
China

Will China Take Over the Global Auto Industry?

China’s electric vehicle capacity will soon match total Chinese domestic auto demand, and total Chinese auto production capacity is already over half of total global auto demand.

Post by Brad W. Setser December 8, 2024 Follow the Money
Trade

What Are Tariffs?

U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden have both turned to tariffs to support local industries amid economic confrontation with China. Here’s how these taxes work and how they’ve been used historically.

Backgrounder by Andrew Chatzky, Anshu Siripurapu and Noah Berman November 26, 2024 Renewing America
United States

Trump’s Foreign Policy Moments

Donald Trump’s first presidential term marked a sharp departure from previous approaches to U.S. leadership in areas such as diplomacy and trade. Here are major foreign policy moments from his four years in office.

Timeline by CFR.org Editors November 12, 2024
Foreign Policy

CFR Experts Answer Your Questions on Trump and Foreign Policy

The return of President-Elect Donald Trump has thrown the future of U.S. global leadership into doubt. CFR experts answer your questions on the pressing issues.

Article by CFR.org Editors November 7, 2024
Election 2024

What’s at Stake for Foreign Policy in the 2024 Elections

On November 5, U.S. voters will choose new leadership, with ramifications for China, immigration, the Middle East, and many other national security issues. CFR experts weigh in.

Article by Diana Roy October 30, 2024