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Trade Bites

Trade Bites

UK Trade Policy Observatory 72 Episodes Jun 17, 2026

Trade Bites is a podcast about trade policy produced by the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy. Hosted by Chris Horseman of Borderlex, it explores current issues in international trade and trade policy. Each episode features expert analysis and discussion on trade-related topics.

Episodes

Brexit – 10 years on
Brexit – 10 years on Jun 17, 2026 00:37:58 In this episode, we're reflecting on the Brexit referendum that happened 10 years ago this month and changed the UK's trade policy trajectory overnight. Our speakers examine how Brexit affected UK trade and UK attitudes to trade, as well as the approach to and the outcomes of autonomous UK trade policy. The discussion also considers the future and where Britain may go next as it navigates a chaot
Regional representation in trade policy
Regional representation in trade policy Jun 3, 2026 00:39:46 In this podcast, we examine the regional dimensions of UK trade policy. Trade affects everyone in every part of the United Kingdom, and the primary responsibility for external trade policy lies with the central UK government in London. However, a lot of the policy areas that are directly affected by trade, most notably agriculture, are controlled by the devolved administrations in Belfast, Cardiff
WTO Ministerial Conference and developing countries in Africa
WTO Ministerial Conference and developing countries in Africa May 20, 2026 00:40:01 What did MC14 deliver for developing countries in Africa? In this episode, His Excellency Geraldo Saranga, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the WTO and His Excellency Ambassador Professor Muhammadou Kah, Ambassador of The Republic of the Gambia to the WTO, share their views on the outcomes of the 2026 WTO Ministerial Conference. To what extent was the MC14 agenda really al
The impact of US tariffs on the world
The impact of US tariffs on the world Apr 30, 2026 00:36:25 The US Government has put tariffs front and centre of its economic policy since Trump's second administration began at the start of last year. After implementing tariffs in April 2025, the US has subsequently raised and lowered tariffs and negotiated exemptions and add-ons for different countries and different sectors. In February this year, the implementation of the ‘Liberation Day’ reciprocal ta
Do trade deficits matter?
Do trade deficits matter? Apr 15, 2026 00:30:33 President Trump’s keen concern for the US’s substantial trade deficit with the rest of the world played a key role in driving the US tariffs imposed last year, which have disrupted trade and upended the international rules-based trade system. In this episode we ask why is Trump so concerned by a trade deficit, how worried should a country be if it is importing more than it exports, what are the ec
World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC14)
World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC14) Apr 1, 2026 00:35:54 In today's episode, we examine the result of the World Trade Organization's recent ministerial conference in Cameroon, MC14. It ended with no agreement on WTO reform, and no agreement either to continue a long-standing moratorium on imposing import duties on electronic transmissions. Where does MC14 leave the WTO as an organization? Joining this discussion with our host Chris Horseman (Borderlex)
Customs union membership between the EU and the UK
Customs union membership between the EU and the UK Mar 11, 2026 00:44:08 In this episode, we look at proposals for the UK to join a customs union with the EU. We clarify what is a customs union and discuss whether could it improve trade between the EU and the UK and boost to our economy, as well as what the EU’s position might be. Providing a clear assessment of the pros and cons of customs union membership between the EU and the UK are Michael Gasiorek (CITP / Univer
Progress on the EU-UK reset
Progress on the EU-UK reset Feb 25, 2026 00:40:16 This episode discusses the reset package under negotiation between the UK and the EU. Last May, the two sides agreed to align their regulatory systems in a number of sectors, aimed at minimising friction at the border, and thereby stimulating bilateral trade. It will include regulatory alignment for agriculture and food products, linking of emissions trading schemes, integration of the EU and UK e
The geopolitics of critical minerals and recent approaches to trade cooperation
The geopolitics of critical minerals and recent approaches to trade cooperation Feb 11, 2026 00:40:32 Critical minerals are ‘critical’ to the manufacture of vital 21st century products as electric vehicles, mobile phones, solar panels, clean technology, and defence equipment. These mineral reserves are also found in considerable quantities outside of non-Western countries. China has been quick off the mark in building out the processing and manufacturing infrastructure that gives them supply chain
Greenland, Trump and trade coercion
Greenland, Trump and trade coercion Jan 28, 2026 00:36:29 In January, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries who opposed his demand to take control of Greenland. Whilst this threat was later dropped, following discussions with NATO SC, what is the role of trade policy in the face of economic coercion? This podcast discusses the use of trade policy instruments in a coercive manner, the issues hanging over EU-US and UK-US trade rel
Competition policy and industrial policy
Competition policy and industrial policy Dec 17, 2025 00:32:50 This episode of Trade Bites looks at competition and industrial policy. China's strong industrial policies and state-backed dominance have fuelled global competition. Recently, this has led to the US, Europe and developed countries, including the UK, implementing much more activist industrial policies to support their own producers and to ensure supplies of strategically important goods. Is a lev
UK Membership of PEM
UK Membership of PEM Dec 10, 2025 00:35:33 In today's episode of Trade Bites, we're discussing the Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin (PEM) and whether the UK should join. The PEM makes it easier for UK firms to use inputs from the PEM countries and still get duty free access to the EU, and all the other PEM countries. Having left the EU, the UK is not part of the PEM. The UK Government has launched a consultation on wh

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