Trade wonks like to say that trade is like water; it always finds new ways. Is that really true? The last several years have been particularly challenging for global trade, beset by tariffs, wars, subsidies, export restrictions, and new versions of industrial policy. At the same time, new trade agreements have been signed.
Robert Staiger, chief economist at the World Trade Organization (WTO), will present the WTO's 2026 World Trade Report, followed by a discussion with trade practitioners from the United States, China, and the European Union. What are the most important trends and developments? Where is trade going and what role will the WTO play in the future?
For more information, visit the WTO Public Forum website.
HOST
Cecilia Malmström
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)
GUESTS
Maria Martin-Prat
Ambassador, European Union Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization
Robert W. Staiger
Chief Economist, World Trade Organization
Henry Huiyao Wang
Founder and President, Center for China and Globalization, Beijing
About This Series
Trade Winds explores the future of international trade—the challenges, possibilities, and where international efforts are headed—in a monthly virtual event series hosted by Cecilia Malmström. Join the discussion to learn from global policymakers, practitioners, business leaders from different sectors, experts, and more.