Trade Knowledge Matters

Global trade is being reshaped by rising protectionism, a struggling WTO, and the rapid growth of the digital economy. In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar speaks with Ebere Ezike, International Trade Lawyer and Founder of AfCFTA Dialogues, and Ben McConkey, Economic Advisor to Somaliland's Ministry of Trade and Tourism and an ODI Fellow, about what these shifts mean for Africa and other low-income economies.
The conversation covers how countries can diversify trade partnerships, build regional value chains, and use AI and digital services to drive growth — even as multilateral trade rules come under strain. Ezike and McConkey also discuss the role of industrial policy in African development and what genuine resilience looks like in an increasingly fractured trading system.

Key Topics
Protectionism as economic warfare and its impact on low-income nations
WTO reform, plurilateral agreements, and the limits of multilateralism
AI and the digital economy: opportunities for low-income countries
Trade policy and industrial development in Africa
Diversifying trade partners and building regional value chains
Trade rules, commitments, and their role in development
Building resilience through regional integration

Resources
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
OECD Trade Policy Papers

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This episode examines a new independent review of UK trade policy conducted by the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy, UK Trade Policy Observatory and Frontier Economics. Moving beyond description, the discussion focuses on how and why UK trade policy is evolving in a post-Brexit environment shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, economic security concerns, and competing domestic priorities.

Moderated by Javier Gutierrez, Counsellor, External Relations, WTO, the conversation brings together Michael Gasiorek, Director, UKTPO and CITP and Amar Breckenridge, Senior Associate, Frontier Economics, to unpack the methodology, findings, and implications of the review.

Key Takeaways
UK trade policy remains anchored in multilateral principles but is increasingly constrained by global geopolitical shifts.
Economic security is now a dominant policy driver, often in tension with growth and efficiency.
There is a clear gap between stated policy goals and implementation, particularly on sustainability and inclusiveness.
Greater transparency, stakeholder engagement, and policy evaluation are needed to improve effectiveness.
The current global environment challenges the assumptions underpinning traditional UK trade strategy.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trade Policy Review
02:38 The Importance of Transparency in Trade Policy
05:05 UK's Independent Trade Policy Post-Brexit
08:06 Engaging Stakeholders in Trade Policy
10:24 Insights from the Citizens' Jury
13:09 Mismatch Between Government and Public Priorities
15:39 Economic Security vs. Growth
18:17 Sustainability and Inclusivity in Trade Policy
20:11 Key Findings of the Trade Policy Review
23:32 Economic Security and Digital Transformation
27:55 Sustainability and Inclusion Challenges
32:14 The Role of Middle Powers in Trade
34:25 Replicability of the Trade Policy Review Model
39:01 Final Thoughts on Trade Policy Challenges

Resources Mentioned
UK Trade Policy Review
WTO Trade Policy Review mechanism
CITP’s Animation on Improving UK Trade Policy

Follow us on: 
Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@TKENews⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠Trade Knowledge Exchange ⁠⁠⁠

Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, ⁠⁠⁠events@trade-knowledge.net⁠⁠⁠

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Welcome to Season 5 of Trade Knowledge Matters.

To kick things off, Amar speaks with David Skilling, Director at Landfall Strategy.

They examine the impact of the Persian Gulf conflict on global trade, energy markets, and supply chain resilience, and outline how governments and businesses can respond to rising geopolitical uncertainty.

Key Topics:
Impact of the Persian Gulf conflict on global trade and energy prices

Strategies for governments and businesses to build resilience

Supply chain diversification and regional trade routes

The shift from cooperation to confrontation in international trade

The role of regional blocs and emerging trade corridors

You can find Dr. Skilling on:
Landfall Strategy Group
LinkedIn

Follow us on: 
Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@TKENews⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠Trade Knowledge Exchange ⁠⁠⁠

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Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, ⁠⁠⁠events@trade-knowledge.net⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, we explore the intricate relationship between international trade and gender, highlighting historical contexts, current trends, and the challenges and opportunities faced by women in trade.
Our host, Amar sits down with experts Dr. Judith Fessehaie (Head, Women and Trade Programmes/SheTrades Initiative, ITC) and Dr. Simonetta Zarrilli (Adviser, ArtNet) to discuss the impact of global value chains, protectionism, and digital trade on women's participation in the economy, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and collaboration across sectors to achieve gender equality in trade.

Key Takeaways
Mainstream economics has historically neglected gender issues in trade policy.
Women have played significant roles in trade throughout history.
Global value chains have created new job opportunities for women.
Despite progress, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue.
Women are often underrepresented in leadership and ownership roles in trade.
Rising protectionism poses new challenges for women in low-income countries.
Sustainability standards can enhance gender equality in trade.
Digital trade offers new avenues for women entrepreneurs.
Intersectionality must be considered in trade policies.
Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential for progress.

Follow us on: 
Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@TKENews⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠Trade Knowledge Exchange ⁠⁠⁠

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Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, ⁠⁠⁠events@trade-knowledge.net⁠⁠⁠
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If you have been wondering what De Minimis means and how it affects you or your business? This episode gives you an overview.

In this episode, Amar sits down with Carlos Grau Tanner, Director-General, Global Express Association (GEA) to discuss De Minimis and the tariffs placed on them by President Trump in April 2025. They explain what 'de minimis' is, how it affects consumers, MSMEs, and its impact on trade policy.

Key Takeaways
De minimis provisions are crucial in trade policy.
Threshold values for de minimis vary by country.
These provisions help small businesses absorb costs.
E-commerce growth is linked to de minimis rules.
Changes to de minimis can impact consumer prices.
Local businesses advocate for a level playing field.
Customs efficiency is vital for trade facilitation.

Follow us on: 
Twitter: ⁠⁠@TKENews⁠⁠
LinkedIN: ⁠⁠Trade Knowledge Exchange ⁠⁠

Check out our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠.

Also, we would like to hear from you, our listeners! Send us an email, ⁠⁠events@trade-knowledge.net⁠⁠

Please, rate, review, share and subscribe to our podcast.