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The U.S. November trade deficit was $63B, but that's not the important thing

Jan 9, 2024
Trade deficit numbers get a lot of attention in election years. Here are some things to know about the nuance behind the numbers.
"Counterintuitively, an expanding trade deficit is typically associated with stronger economic growth in the United States," says Scott Lincicome with the Cato Institute.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Why U.S. agricultural exports are down almost 20% from last year

Sep 29, 2023
In August, agricultural exports were about 20% lower than the same time a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. That's because export volumes have fallen, and ag prices are coming off of recent highs.
"We have soybean exports down, corn exports are down, wheat exports are down," said Naomi Blohm, senior market advisor with Total Farm Marketing.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

The Trump Administration’s options around tariffs and quotas

Feb 26, 2018
The Trump Administration is trying to figure out how to act on a campaign promise to make trade with China more fair. One thing the administration is considering is imposing tariffs or quotas on imports of steel and aluminum. The justification? National security. Here’s a look at the theory behind that connection, and the administration’s […]

With tax out of the way, trade will be on Trump’s January agenda

Jan 4, 2018
With a sweeping tax overhaul out of the way, trade could be the next big item on President Donald Trump’s agenda. In the next few weeks, he’ll be making decisions about protecting U.S. industries from global competition. But he’s facing pressure from those who say tariffs will only hurt the U.S. economy.  Click the audio […]

Steel heavy on the minds of U.S. leaders on China visit

Jun 6, 2016
China's excess steel production is flooding global markets.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speak during a climate change meeting Monday in Beijing, China. 
Nicolas Asfouri - Pool/Getty Images

Government further relaxes Cuba trade rules

Jan 27, 2016
Companies will henceforth be able to extend credit to more customers in Cuba.
A Cuban flag flutters in front of the US Embassy in Havana.
YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. embassies: Not just spies and visas

Aug 5, 2013
More than a dozen U.S. embassies remain closed under terror fears, but what exactly will the closures mean?

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