CPA Debates: What’s So Great About Free Trade?
CPA chief economist Jeff Ferry took on a Pepperdine University free trader in a firey debate this week.
Why Supply Chain Problems in Asia, Europe, Are Beneficial to the U.S.
Inflation remains due to supply chain problems. From China’s Zero Covid to European energy costs, the price of outsourcing manufacturing is getting high. Why reshoring is an inflation curb.
Free Trade Theory and Reality: An Economist’s Critique
The theory of free trade is so familiar and so often quoted, you might think there is ample evidence proving its accuracy. But there isn’t. In fact, there is scarcely any evidence at all. On the other hand, there is abundant evidence showing the theory is wrong. In an academic article recently published in the…
Here’s How Pharmaceutical Drugs Are Recalled. And Why Some Might Still Remain on the Shelves.
Most people think that when a drug is recalled by the lab, it is pulled from pharmacy shelves. It’s not. Here’s how drug recalls really work.
Looming Copper Shortage Threatens U.S. Resiliency and Geopolitical Order
The “Green Revolution” promises to produce electric power in a climate-friendly, low-emissions manner for homes, businesses, cars, trucks and other vehicles. There’s just one giant stumbling block. All these clean-energy sources use large amounts of copper. Global copper demand is forecast to double between now and 2035. But copper supply may not keep up. If…
September Trade Deficit Rises 11.6% As U.S. Heads For Record $1.1+ Trillion Goods Deficit
After a sharp six month decline, the trade deficit is back up and on track to break another record even as China imports stall.
Why Voluntarily Leaving China (or Being Forced to) Does Not Undermine Fiduciary Duty
Investment managers say they have a fiduciary responsibility to be in China. Here’s why they need to seriously rethink this.
U.S. Dependent on Foreign Sources for Nearly Every Critical Mineral
The U.S. is largely dependent on foreign sources for the critical minerals that will power a clean energy transition. The Inflation Act helps. But it’s going to take a while to be even moderately self-sufficient.
CBP Released False Government Statistics
Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade released false government statistics. CBP’s Office of Trade stated that the total value of de minimis shipments fell from $67,039,140,875 in CBP’s FY 2020, down to $39,876,651,152 in FY 2021. These numbers are not accurate, and in fact are certainly a gross, material undervaluation,…
U.S. Income Inequality Widened Further in 2021
The top 5% and top 20% of U.S. households have enjoyed most of the gains in U.S. GDP since 1970. Bottom 20% have seen almost no gains in 50 years.