Category Archives: Trade Agreements

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Looking ahead to Canada’s proposed Indo-Pacific Strategy, a brief comment about export controls as one of the main components of that strategy, a trade tool little discussed in the press. Indo-Pacific+China Trade Policy

Sanctions – Embedded in the Structure of Global Trade

The Ukraine war has resulted in a huge array of Western sanctions, extraordinarily coordinated, that will be a lasting element in the global trading order. This opinion piece in the Globe in May 2022 explains their impact and the political difficulties of winding these down, even if and when this war ends. Russian Sanctions Will… Read More »

WTO in Limbo – What Next?

WTO In Limbo – Options for Western Countries A commentary on the emergence of the OECD as the most viable institution to conclude new multilateral rules, standards even binding agreements in face of the difficulties facing the WTO. Published by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in June 2022.

WTO Faces New Challenges in Today’s World

The WTO is facing internal stresses (governance and others) and serious external challenges (the disatrous Russian invasion of Ukraine). The question addressed in this op-ed piece in the Globe & Mail, 4 April 2022, is whether the Organisation can overcome these and move forward. WTO’s Waning Influence – Globe 4 Apr 2022

Challenges Facing the World Trading Order

World Trading Order Update – January 2022

Government Advisories & their Global Trade Impact

This commentary in the Globe & Mail, 5 August 2021, deals with the increased significance of government advisories – not legally binding, but having an important effect in the world of internatioanal trade. Business Advisories put Companies on Notice

Canadian Trade Under Threat by Biden’s Tax Credit Plan

Going Green under the Biden Plan Threatens Canadian Interests – MLI 15 November 2021

China & Private Global Regulation

Line 5 & the Canada-US Pipeline Treaty

This comment looks at the 1977 Pipeline Treaty, binding on the United States, designed especially to guaranty unimpeded pipeline transit. It was approved by the U.S. Senate (including by then Senator Biden) specifically to prevent any state or province from interfering with hydrocarbon shipments. This means the U.S. president has to take steps to ensure… Read More »

Reshoring Initiative Targets Behaviours, Not Laws

This is an opinion piece of mine in the Globe & Mail (Toronto), 20 April 2021, commenting on how private sector actions – such as guidelines, standards and certifications – can affect international business and trade. These are developments that don’t depend on, and are separate from, governmental actions like statutes or treaties. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-reshoring-initiative-targets-behaviours-not-laws/