Trade Policy Decoded is hosted by Professor Peter Draper, Executive Director of the Institute for International Trade at the University of Adelaide, and Dr Prudence Gordon, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Trade and Investment.
The podcast is for anyone with an interest in international trade policy - both experts and trade policy novices.
Each fortnight, Peter and Pru explore two or three current trade policy topics. They start with a quick overview for those new to the topic, then delve into the guts of the issue with updates, information and analysis that’s timely, easy to access, super interesting and insightful. Trade Policy Decoded covers trade policy in Australia and the world.
Available here, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Questions, suggestions and feedback are encouraged. Send them to info@aciti.org.au.
In this episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter share the popcorn while chatting about President Biden's decision to step aside as candidate for the US Democratic Party and its implications for US trade policy. They then delve into the populist lean seen in recent European and French elections and what it means for EU trade policy and the EU-Australia FTA. They wrap up with a discussion on the EU's initiatives to build its defence industries and the uncomfortable fit between inward-turning populist movements and the national security imperatives requiring closer cooperation with like-mindeds.
Recorded on 25 July 2024.
If you only listen to one podcast on international trade policy this year - make it this one. Pru and Peter talk to Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and one of the most experienced and insightful trade diplomats around. Vangelis explains progress on accessions to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Transpacific Partnership, and the important work reviewing and updating the CPTTP. He then describes New Zealand's incredibly positive and proactive approach to the seismic shifts rocking the global economy and geopolitics. As with rugby - Australia could learn a lesson or two here from our NZ cousins!
Recorded on 9 August 2024.
Countries are increasingly turning back to industry policy in order to meet the climate change challenge and secure national security objectives. In this episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter discuss what industry policy is and the tensions between trade and industry policy. They also delve into Australia's own attempt at industry policy in the form of the Future Made in Australia Act and associated budget measures.
Recorded on 12 July 2024.
Countries are increasingly adopting emissions reduction measures that conflict with international trade law. In this episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter explore some examples, including the EU's CBAM, US Inflation Reduction Act, Chinese Government support for low emissions industries and Australia's new fuel standards. They also consider the damage these measures can have on the international rules-based system. Fascinating listening and a forerunner to an upcoming episode on Australia's 'Future Made in Australia' Act.
Recorded on 24 April 2024.
Digital trade has become a foundational part of global trade. Governments are playing catchup as technology and business practices evolve. In this episode, Peter and Pru explore what digital trade encompasses, key digital trade issues for trade negotiators, the US's decision to step back from its support for important JSI provisions, the Australian Government's support for traditional media over the large media platforms, and so much more. Who'd have thought we could fit so much into a
29-minute podcast!!!!
Recorded on 18 April 2024.
India's economic settings are increasingly impacted by new opportunities created by geostrategic developments. In this episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter explore the clear signs of India moving forward with new policies and trade agreements aimed at India capitalising on open markets, coupled with India's traditional and more protectionist trade policy approaches.
Recorded on 28 March 2024.
In this episode, Pru and Peter discuss the outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation held in Abu Dhabi from 26 Feb to 1 March 2024. The podcast delves into the reasons for the few positive outcomes and the increasing challenges to the multilateral system. This includes the possibility of the US withdrawing from the WTO under a potential second Trump Administration. Will plurilaterals save the day?
Recorded on 7 March 2024.
Pru and Peter talk to Australia's Special Envoy for Southeast Asia - Nicholas Moore AO about Australia's strategy to develop our economic relationship with Southeast Asia. Former CEO of Macquarie Bank, Nicholas Moore AO does an amazing job explaining the different ways government versus business see economic opportunities in Southeast Asia. He gives an excellent summary of the key recommendations in the strategy report and highlights the opportunities in Australia's investment and trade relationship with our northern neighbours.
Recorded on 20 February 2024.
In the first episode of Trade Policy Decoded for 2024, Pru and Peter scan the macro and geoeconomic issues most likely to impact international trade policy over the next 12 months. They then dig down into the impact and implications of these broader factors for Australia's trade policy priorities in 2024.
Recorded on 1 February 2024.
In this episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter cover off on the key trade policy developments in 2023. From China, the winners, losers and unfinished business on Australia's trade negotiation 'dance card', to climate change and war in Ukraine and the Middle East. If 2023 was a trade policy whirlwind for you, this podcast sets it out in a nut shell and puts you on solid ground to face 2024!
Recorded on 21 December 2023
Peter and Pru were joined by special guest, Dr Naoise McDonaugh from Edith Cowan University, to discuss the evolution and impact of 'values-based' trade. The podcast looks into the changing values informing trade policy over the past 30 years and how geopolitical tensions are seeing the values underpinning trade policy expanding well beyond traditional commercial and development focused values. Peter and Naoise discuss their research on the topic and the need for further research (and supporting funding) to help governments and business get a much better handle on the impact and design of values-based trade policy.
Recorded on 6 December 2023
Prime Minister Albanese's meeting with President Xi signaled a turning point in the Australia-China relationship. Peter Draper was on the ground in China during the visit. In this week's episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Peter and Pru discuss how the visit was seen in China and Australia, the key issues and debates raised by developments in the bilateral relationship, and what might come out of the meeting then underway between Presidents Biden and Xi.
Recorded on 16 November 2023
In this episode, Peter and Pru provide a cheat-sheet on the key arguments that came out of the ACITI Annual Conference on international trade, investment and the climate change challenge. From trade and investment clean energy and tech opportunities, to the reshaping of global markets based on access to cheap energy, the pros and cons of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms and green subsidies, and intergovernmental efforts to pull together - for those short on time - this podcast has it all!
Recorded on 26 October 2023
As negotiations for an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement get to the pointy end, Peter and Pru discuss the broader Australia-EU trade relationship, current stumbling blocks in the negotiations and hurdles still to overcome.
Recorded on 12 October 2023
In Episode 3 of Trade Policy Decoded, Peter and Pru run the ruler over the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiations. Unlike any trade agreement before it, Peter and Pru look at IPEF's focus on creating collaborative arrangements rather than hard and fast commitments. They then get into the weeds of the IPEF Supply Chain agreement - a mix of lofty ambition, great intentions, and a surprising twist!
Recorded on 29 September 2023
Coming to you from the WTO Public Forum in Geneva, this week Peter and Pru bring listeners up to speed on discussions on reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the WTO's role in managing climate change measures, glimmers of hope for the WTO dispute settlement system, and prospects for the WTO moratorium on e-commerce.
Recorded on 15 September 2023
In this first episode of Trade Policy Decoded, Peter and Pru introduce the podcast. They then delve into the Australia-China trade relationship and the growth of 'climate clubs'.
Recorded on 31 Aug 2023
