Vantage Point

Explore our latest perspectives on the global economy, geopolitics, and industry dynamics.

TOPIC: POLITICS

Is the end of IEEPA the beginning of a more effective Trump admin?

May 30, 2025

If Trump’s broad tariffs are blocked, it will almost certainly dampen the breadth and magnitude of tariffs but – crucially – it may well leave behind longer-lived and more effective approach.

A vision of US foreign policy?

April 30, 2025

US President Donald Trump has started a fundamental rethink of US alliances in pursuit of a more economically beneficial alliance structure. At the same time, he looks for support to remake the global trading system and China's role in it.

Reciprocal tariffs hit home: what’s at stake for Southeast Asia?

April 17, 2025

The US reciprocal tariff policy is threatening Southeast Asia's competitive edge as a manufacturing hub, with the potential for increased production costs and factory closures.

The Economic consequences of protectionism: more than just inflation

April 3, 2025

There are profound negative impacts of protectionist trade policies, including increased costs, supply chain disruptions, reduced innovation, inefficient resource allocation, and potential risks to the US dollar and fiscal stability.

US-EU: farther apart

February 21, 2025

A flurry of activity in the past week has brought US-EU relations to a historical low, with long-term consequences for trade, investment and security.

China’s export pivot to developing countries will be increasingly challenged

February 13, 2025

China's pivot to developing markets faces increasing challenges from rising trade barriers and heightened scrutiny from the US and other regions.

Israel shifts attention toward the Houthis in the Red Sea

January 22, 2025

With cease fires in effect with Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel is increasing its focus on the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, targeting their strongholds to secure maritime activity in the Red Sea and mitigate disruptions caused by Houthi attacks.

How might the Southeast Asia-5 respond to Trump’s tariff policies?

December 20, 2024

Exploring how the SEA-5 countries are looking at policy changes to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.

How China’s response to a second Trump administration may impact supply chains

November 26, 2024

China is expected to respond more strongly to trade measures from a second Trump administration, leveraging its policy tools to target specific American firms and products.

A credible PNTR bill offers insight into pathways to China tariffs

November 21, 2024

The Restoring Trade Fairness Act aims to repeal Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China, subjecting Chinese imports to tariffs, quotas, and other trade remedies.

"China Week" does not address key trade issues

September 9, 2024

The US House of Representatives has released a list of proposed China-focused legislation expected to come to a vote over the course of what Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) dubbed “China Week”.

Walz VP pick indicates continuity in democratic approach to trade

August 9, 2024

By selecting Walz, Harris signals continuity with existing Biden-era trade policy including a focus on worker protections and environmental issues.

Republican trade policy platform sets the stage for negotiations

July 24, 2024

The platform as described would be a historic change in US trade policy and, by extension, macroeconomic policy.

Harris trade policy may diverge tactically despite continuity of Biden Administration approaches

July 23, 2024

If Harris becomes the Democratic nominee for the presidency her approach towards trade policy is likely to be a second-tier issue as domestic challenges will lead the electoral conversation as a key issues for voters, particularly immigration.

The Old is New Again: China’s Third Plenum Likely to Be Redux of Supply-Side Reform

July 12, 2024

Supply-side reform will likely continue to be the focal point for the Third Plenum, despite public calls from key figures for stimulating domestic demand.