Germany’s Global Trade Surplus Hits Record in 2016

FRANKFURT—Germany’s exports exceeded its imports by the widest yearly margin on record last year, a sign of the strength of Europe’s biggest economy that could inflame tensions between Washington and Berlin over their trade relations. [NINA ADAM and ANDREA THOMAS| February 09, 2017 |Wall Street Journal] Germany’s trade surplus—or the balance of exports and imports of goods—rose…

Abe Visit Sets Stage for Global Trade Shuffle

Wait for it. Here comes the Tokyo delegation — with lots of shiny trinkets and flattering words for President Donald Trump. [Kevin Kearns| February 9, 2017 |LifeZette] Yes, Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is coming to the White House on Friday to present a five-point plan explaining how his county can work with the United States to…

Trade Deficit Hits Four-Year High

By Jeff Ferry, CPA Research Director The United States trade deficit for 2016 rose to $502.3 billion, its highest level since 2012, as a growing U.S. economy, a rising U.S. dollar, mercantilist practices by many foreign trading partners, and generally lackluster economic growth in foreign markets combined to make the trade balance a negative force in…

Group Launches “COOLin100” Campaign

Billings, Mont. One of the staunchest supporters of mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, R-CALF USA, is launching a new campaign called “COOLin100.” The campaign calls on the new Trump Administration and new Congress to reinstate COOL for beef and pork during the Trump Administration’s first 100 days in office. The idea to launch the new…