NatWest Trade Links

Since 2020, governments across the US, Europe and the UK have promoted re-shoring, near-shoring and friend-shoring as ways to strengthen supply chains, create jobs and reduce strategic dependence on China.   But how much of this shift is genuinely bringing industry home, and how much is simply reorganising global trade?   In this episode of Trade Links, Tim Phillips is joined by Aastha Gupta and S...

In this episode of Trade Links, host Tim Phillips is joined by Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to revisit two major trade stories shaping the global economy: 10 years on from Brexit, and one year after the US “Liberation Day” tariff announcements. The discussion explores how trade relationships have evolved, where economic frictions remain, and why geopolitics is increasingly influencing global...

In this episode of Trade Links, Tim Phillips is joined again by Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to explore an unprecedented scenario in global trade: what happens when both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are compromised at the same time? With escalating tensions in the Middle East and warnings from the Houthi movement, the team considers the far-reaching consequences for energy, food secu...

In this episode of Trade Links, Tim Phillips is joined by Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to unpack the political and economic forces shaping global trade deals and the evolving role of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Key Topics: India’s Trade Deal Blitz: Comparing India’s agreements with the EU, UK, and US – from comprehensive free trade deals to targeted strategic partnerships. Politics v...

As Trade Links returns in 2026, host Tim Phillips is joined by our regular panel of experts, Aastha Gupta (European Economist, Economics and Market Strategy) and Scott Livingstone (International Advisor) to talk trade and the international backdrop.  It’s been a dramatic start to the year, so naturally the discussion focuses on US intervention in Venezuela and that most perennial of trade topics…...

In this Trade Links special, host Tim Phillips is joined by guests Aastha Gupta, Scott Livingstone and Ross Walker to talk about what lies ahead in 2026.  There's a lot to ponder as global trade tilts towards resilience away from cost efficiency in supply chains, and geopolitically, the world is rearming at pace. So it's good news that the economy is so rosy. Well, maybe not. With topics...

This time, host Tim Phillips is joined by regular guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk about the world's most vital trade routes – from what goes through them to what happens around them.  They also discuss potential new trade routes and which countries may lay claim to them, as well as discuss that age old question: what issues are being overlooked, but which might be on all of...

In this episode of Trade Links , Tim Phillips reunites with regular NatWest panelists Aastha Gupta, European Economist, and Scott Livingstone, International Advisor. They delve into the recent EU-US trade deal, announced at Turnberry Golf Course on 27 July 2025, exploring its implications on global economics, geopolitics, and sector-specific impacts. Key points: The deal : Aastha explains the fram...

While Aastha and Scott are on their much-deserved summer breaks, Tim Phillips speaks to Naresh Aggarwal (Associate Director Policy & Technical at the Association of Corporate Treasurers) and Rowan Austin (Head of Trade Finance Origination & Advisory at NatWest) in this special episode.  Both treasury and trade finance functions are on the front line of balancing risk management and growth....

This month, Tim Phillips is joined by regular guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to delve into the intricacies of the global tech trade. They unravel the complexities of supply chains, the strategic importance of rare earth elements, and the geopolitical tensions shaping today’s trade landscape. Semiconductors may be the new oil, but what about the old oil? They also talk about OPEC, peak o...

Tim Phillips returns with regular NatWest guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk trade. This time, they focus on the super big questions: how is the very nature of trade evolving and whether the era of globalisation is nearing an end? They also discuss: • Trade Patterns: Trade volumes, particularly in services and digital trade, are still increasing, but supply chains are becoming more...

Welcome to Trade Links, your go-to podcast for data-driven analysis of global trade trends and pivotal developments in international relations. Designed for international businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the global market, Trade Links brings you expert commentary, in-depth discussions, and the latest updates that shape the world of trade.  Each month, host Tim Phillips will be jo...