Trade Knowledge Matters

This episode examines a new independent review of UK trade policy conducted by the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy, UK Trade Policy Observatory and Frontier Economics. Moving beyond description, the discussion focuses on how and why UK trade policy is evolving in a post-Brexit environment shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, economic security concerns, and competing domestic priorities. Moderat...

Welcome to Season 5 of Trade Knowledge Matters . To kick things off, Amar speaks with David Skilling, Director at Landfall Strategy. They examine the impact of the Persian Gulf conflict on global trade, energy markets, and supply chain resilience, and outline how governments and businesses can respond to rising geopolitical uncertainty. Key Topics: Impact of the Persian Gulf conflict on global tra...

In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, we explore the intricate relationship between international trade and gender, highlighting historical contexts, current trends, and the challenges and opportunities faced by women in trade. Our host, Amar sits down with experts Dr. Judith Fessehaie (Head, Women and Trade Programmes/SheTrades Initiative, ITC) and Dr. Simonetta Zarrilli (Adviser, ArtNet) t...

If you have been wondering what De Minimis means and how it affects you or your business? This episode gives you an overview. In this episode, Amar sits down with Carlos Grau Tanner, Director-General, Global Express Association (GEA) to discuss De Minimis and the tariffs placed on them by President Trump in April 2025. They explain what 'de minimis' is, how it affects consumers, MSMEs, and...

In this episode, Amar sits down with experts, Prof. Alan Winters, former Co-Director of the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP), Emeritus Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex, and Prof. Lorand Bartels, Professor of International Law at Cambridge and a Counsel at Freshfields LLP and Chair of the UK Trade and Agriculture Com...

Global trade tensions are rising following the announcement of President Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs! In this episode, Amar sits down with friends of the podcast and trade experts, Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation and Dr. Anirudh Shingal, Professor of Economics, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research. They discuss the recent implementation of tariffs by the US on...

What exactly is trade in services? Why is it relevant when discussing trade and development, especially in Africa? How does it work? If you have asked these questions, then this episode provides some of the answers. In this episode, Amar sits down with services experts, Beatrice Chaytor, Head of Trade in Services, AfCFTA and Prachi Agarwal, Research Fellow, International Economic Development Group...

In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Meredith Lilly, Professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy, Carleton University and Simon Lester, Founder, WorldTradeLaw.net and China Trade Monitor. He is also a non-resident Fellow at the Baker Institute. They delve into the implications of the recent US elections on global trade policy, particularly focusing...

In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Kimberley Botwright, Head of Sustainable Trade, World Economic Forum, and Sunayana Sasmal, Research Fellow in International Trade Law, UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex. They delve into the significance of critical minerals in modern trade policy, exploring its role in economic development, environmental sustaina...

To kick off Season 4 of Trade Knowledge Matters, we look at US Trade Policy. Amar sits down with William (Bill) Reinsch. Bill holds the Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and also co-hosts a podcast, Trade Guys. This episode delves into the complexities of US trade policy, examining the shifts in bipartisan consensus, the impact of e...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Hiddo Houben, Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of the European Union to the WTO, and Alicia Nicholls, International Trade Specialist and Research Fellow at the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Discussions on the WTO, reflecting on its 30 year...

In this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Dr Anirudh Shingal, Professor, S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research and Stuti Toshi, Trade and Investment Lawyer, on India's role in international trade and its approach to global trade challenges. Some Takeaways: India is an important actor in the international trading system and a top global exporter of services. Indi...

In this episode, Amar discusses with Dr Matthias Bauer, Director, ECIPE and Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation on the concept of economic security and its implications. It explores the EU's measures and policy settings for economic security, as well as global trends in this area. The challenges and opportunities of economic security are examined, along with the growing i...

To kick off, Season 3 of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar Breckenridge discusses with Prof. David Luke, LSE and Colette van der Ven, Tulip Consulting on the impact and aftermath of CoP28 conclusions on Sub-Sahara Africa. This episode delves into the intersection of trade, climate policies, and their impact on sub-Saharan African economies. COP28 progress, particularly in fossil fuel transition, is hi...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Aproop Bhave, Chief Economist, UK Trade Remedies Authority and Lorand Bartels, Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge and Counsel, Freshfields LLP. In this episode they cover: The application of the Economic Interest Test (EIT) mandated by UK legislation and analyse the lessons learned from its implementation in...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Faten Aggad, previously with the Africa Climate Foundation as a Senior Advisor and Jodie Anne Keane, Senior Research Fellow at the ODI, about the African continents approach to climate issues and trade policy. In this episode they cover: Review of the call to actions from the recent Africa Climate Summit. The importance of Africa’s po...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Eunice Huang, Lead of Digital Trade and Policy at Google and Prof. Erik van der Marel, Chief Economist at ECIPE about the impact of digital infrastructure on trade and the digital economy. In this episode they cover: The impact of generative AI on Trade. The opportunities for small business. Increased efficiency and actioning of Mode...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Keith Rockwell, Senior Research Fellow, Hinrich Foundation and David Skillling, Founder and Director, Landfall Strategy, about the "New Washington Convergence", in-depth review of US Trade Policy following the Inflation Reduction Act. In this episode; Discussion on the current state of US Trade Policy and how we got here. Di...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Sophie Hale (Resolution Foundation), Sophie Clark (UK Trade Policy Observatory) and Chris Horseman (Borderlex) about the current state of UK Trade Policy. In this episode; Discussion on the UK's trade performance since leaving the EU. Discussion on UKTPO's recent research focused on the challenges for UK businesses in the curr...

On this episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Colette van der Ven and Mahesh Sugathan about the Circular Economy and the role of trade policy. In this episode; Discussion on the potential of 'reverse value-chains' and policy barriers to be tackled. Discussion on international cooperation, rule-making and standardisation. Discussion on current WTO rules suited to the development o...

Welcome to Season 2 of Trade Knowledge Matters Podcast!!  Our first episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Simon Lester and Dmitry Grozoubinski about US Trade Policy and its global impact. In this episode; Discussion on the Biden Administration approach to Trade policy, does it follow on from Trump's policy more politely? and how is it perceived globally? Discussion on The US...

Our fifth episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Dr. Deborah Elms and Dr. Anirudh Shingal about trade policy within Asia. In this episode; Discussion on the challenges with trade policies in Asia.   Discussion on Asia's approach to integration, RCEP and CPTPP.   Discussion on China's interest in the CPTPP.   Discussion on the role of India within Asia...

Our fourth episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Dr. Emily Lydgate and Matthew Bell about trade policy and climate change. In this episode; Discussion on the challenges of implementing and actualising climate policy goals.  Discussion on environmental subsidies and competing strategies.  Discussion on the climate policy that reflects on both production and consumpt...

Our third episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Dr. Patrick Low and Ricardo Ramirez Hernandez about the WTO and the "New Multilateralism'. This is a special episode ahead of the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference occurring on June 12th, 2022. In this episode; Discussion on the current state of affairs of the WTO. Discussion on the need for the substantial change of the W...

Our second episode of Trade Knowledge Matters, Amar discusses with Prof. Alan Winters about the UK's Trade Policy from a global perspective.  In this episode; Discussion of the UK's FTA with global trade partners and interest in the CPTPP. Discussion of the frictions with rules and the need for ease/clarity in trade policy. Discussion of the UK-EU relations and the need to mend fences. D...