International trade has flourished in recent decades. In the U.S., which is both the world’s largest importer and exporter of goods and services, trade has lowered the costs of everyday goods, raised the living standard, and fueled job growth. But it has also eliminated some jobs, mostly in manufacturing. As a result, support for free trade has declined. Today, American policymakers are embracing industrial policies, which are designed to promote specific sectors, especially manufacturing, in a way not seen since the 1980s. President Biden’s “Buy American” policies are a prime example of this.

How can we rebuild trust in trade and use it to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive globally? In this episode we sit down with C.J. Mahoney, former deputy U.S. trade representative and chief U.S. negotiator for the USMCA, in 2020, and David Gantz, the Baker Institute’s Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics. We explore major challenges on the horizon for U.S. trade policy, including the upcoming review of the USMCA in 2026 and the rising influence of China.

For video of the event "Election Insights: The Future of US Trade Policy," visit: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/election-insights-future-us-trade-policy

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