Call for Papers

The current multilateral trade rules are under threat as trade wars have become the new reality. The US has increased the average tariff on Chinese imports from 3% to about 26 %. Protectionism is on the rise with rising trade barriers and the resurgence of nationalist politics represents significant obstacles for future growth. This is especially salient for Asia and for firms operating in this region, both domestic and foreign, as rising tariffs and threats of protectionism can hugely disrupt the smooth and efficient functioning of global value chains. There is significant uncertainty about the future of WTO rules and even preferential trade arrangements seem prone to renegotiation (see NAFTA, Brexit). Many firms in advanced economies are rethinking their global supply chains, moving to new locations, or postponing investments till such trade related uncertainty is resolved. This in turn has been reflected in a slowdown in global growth, in both advanced economies and emerging markets.