EICN Kuala Lumpur: Regional Strategic Forecast – Trade, technology and tariffs

As governments of leading economies expand the use of trade defence instruments and other protectionist measures, other countries are following suit—ultimately at the expense of the efficiency of global trade.

Many emerging markets are highly sensitive to a potential influx of Chinese goods, given their ambition to develop homegrown manufacturing sectors. Brazil and Indonesia have also imposed measures to protect their industries against Chinese exporters.

Current trade policy developments point to an increasingly vicious cycle. And there are significant risks that retaliatory actions could escalate. Ultimately, the new supply chains that develop as a result of protectionist industrial policy are likely to be less efficient, resulting in more expensive global production and thus inflationary pressure.

Meanwhile, the US election is fast approaching—and its outcome will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade for the years ahead.

Join us, our special guest speaker Alex Holmes, Regional director for Asia Pacific at the EIU, and influential thinkers and business leaders to explore the enduring primary and secondary consequences on global trade of this shifting policy landscape.