Kopi Time E177 - Deborah Elms on Trade Matters

Kopi Time E177 - Deborah Elms on Trade Matters

From Kopi Time podcast with Taimur Baig by DBS Bank

May 6, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 177

About this episode

Deborah Elms returns to discuss the changes in trade and production patterns a year after significant tariff changes.

A year since the reciprocal tariff bombshell, how has trade changed and what realignments are in the making? We invite back to Kopi Time, Deborah Elms, Hinrich Foundation’s head of trade policy, to mark the tumultuous period. We begin by taking stock of the macro impact on the US and rest of the world over the past year, with little evidence of a major change in the import appetite of American consumers or export viability of Asia. Deborah points out that there is nonetheless a substantial realignment in production origins and trade patterns.  We talk about the many uncertain aspects related to new rounds of US tariffs, investigations, and deal status for most countries in the world. We conclude with a roundup on the many consequential deals being done outside the US, and the parts of WTO framework still functional.  Wars may command headlines presently; trade matters are not going away at all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Taimur Baig

Guest: Deborah Elms

Topics covered

  • trade
  • tariffs
  • US economy
  • global trade patterns
  • production realignment
  • WTO framework

Keywords

  • trade matters
  • tariffs
  • US import appetite
  • Asia exports
  • WTO
  • global economy
  • trade policy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hinrich Foundation

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