Are Donald Trump's tariffs changing global trade for good? As the US and China compete for economic influence, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler explains what the new global trade order means for businesses, investors and governments.
In this episode of Economic Security Watch from fDi Intelligence, host Danielle Myles speaks to Wendy Cutler, former acting deputy US trade representative and senior vice-president at the Asia Society Policy Institute.
They explore how US trade policy is shifting away from traditional free trade agreements towards tariffs, economic security and investment commitments and whether the international trading system can adapt.
The conversation covers the future of US-China trade relations, the USMCA agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada, China's industrial overcapacity, South Korea's investment pledges and the growing pressure to reform World Trade Organisation rules.
Cutler also examines whether Trump's tariffs could outlast his administration, how the 2026 US midterm elections might affect trade policy, and why countries are increasingly looking beyond Washington to build new economic partnerships.
Timestamps
00:00 - US Trade Policy & North America
06:57 - US-China Trade & WTO Challenges
11:31 - New Investment Strategies & Tariffs
14:53 - Modernising US Trade Laws
17:46 - Congressional Influence on Policy
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