international trade

“The only thing certain is uncertainty,” said Brian Duncan, an Illinois hog and soybean farmer.

It’s growing its trade with developing and devloped countries alike, putting U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage.

China’s investing more in those countries, too.

“I think free trade has been dead and probably been dead for a while and isn't looking good for any time in the near future,” said Chad Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Despite ongoing trade talks, detangling the American and Chinese economies still seems to be the end goal for the Trump administration. However, the process will cost billions and take years.

The U.S. dollar has weakened since January, but even so, it’s still the world’s dominant currency in many ways — you can find it almost anywhere.

As trade tensions affect the availability of parts and disrupt supply chains, importers and exporters increasingly need a backup plan.

In recent years, Mexico has become a key outpost for Chinese firms looking to expand their manufacturing centers closer to the American markets.

Storms, both real and predicted, along with war, drought and retailers planning ahead have raised the cost of sending goods around the world.

The World Trade Organization predicted trade would grow by 1.7% in 2023. It’s been revised to 0.8% due in part to stubborn inflation.