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Summer School 7: Trade blocks and blockages

Overview

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Summer School 7: Trade blocks and blockages

Planet Money

2025/08/20
Planet Money

Planet Money

2025/08/20
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Tariffs are the favorite tool of our current president, but there are lots of other ways that governments insert themselves into the free exchange of goods and services. Some of these trade barriers are so insidious and have been going on for so long that ...

Highlights

Governments have countless ways to influence trade beyond just tariffs, often with unintended consequences that ripple across industries. From sweet treats to rugged SUVs, well-intentioned policies designed to protect one group can end up burdening another, distorting markets and raising costs for everyone.
09:26
The U.S. sugar price is artificially high due to government price guarantees.
15:25
Americans pay over twice the world price for sugar due to long-standing protections
18:41
Tariff protections often serve lobbying interests more than economic or national needs.
26:56
European safety tests include a 'baby head test' to assess pedestrian impact.
36:05
Competition from foreign cars made U.S. cars more competitive.

Chapters

Why is American candy made in Mexico?
00:00
Who really benefits from high sugar prices?
12:09
Why can't we easily fix outdated trade rules?
18:41
How do car rules become hidden trade wars?
21:53
Can the world ever agree on the same safety standards?
32:36

Transcript

Robert Smith: This message comes from the International Rescue Committee. Co-founded with help from Albert Einstein, the IRC provides emergency aid and support to people affected by conflict and disaster. Donate today by visiting rescue.org. rescue.org/reb...