France can’t decide whether it wants to exemplify the reason and logic of René Descartes or the “bed-wetting” (President Charles DeGaulle’s term) of the May 1968 student rioters. The latter now seems the preference of the French government as exemplified by its unprincipled tax attack on four hugely successful US internet companies. The attack should […]
Trump-Xi summit off, US at loggerheads with EU
Trade correspondent L.C. reports: The Trump Administration made it clear on February 7th that the summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping expected later this month will not take place, at least not while the US President is in Asia for his February 27-28 meeting with Kim Jong Un. The news took most observers […]
President Trump’s non-Bismarckian, Kaiser Wilhelm II trade strategy
President Trump is continuing his two-front trade war – battling allies and China at the same time — despite the fact that the allies want to work together with the US within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to curb Chinese abuses. The President’s trade policy might be called a non-Bismarckian or “Kaiser Wilhelm II” approach, […]
US rejoining TPP to counter China is desirable but won’t be easy
Trade correspondent L.C.’s weekly report follows President Trump re-stated this week his interest in taking a second shot at joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (now called the Comprehensive & Progressive TPP). One of his first acts as President was to withdraw from the TPP negotiations. The administration’s new rationale for joining the TPP is that it represents […]
Despite export boom, US tax cuts and deficit will increase imports over exports, threatening ill-considered administrative protectionism
Trade correspondent LC’s weekly report The probability that the trade deficit will continue to grow presents a danger for US trading partners. The recent US tax cuts and government spending hike will likely increase US demand, keeping US savings lagging consumption and attracting even more imports, pushing the trade deficit up. Strong demand abroad should […]
