Protectionism Reduces Volume of Trade in Global Economy, Says Indosuez’s Owens Thomsen

The transcript discusses the US-China trade dispute, highlighting protectionism as a major threat to the global economy. It examines the role of the US consumer and trade policies, questioning the economic motivations behind them. The discussion also covers China's trade surplus with the US and the balance of power in the world economy. The role of the WTO and the importance of rule-based global trade are emphasized, with concerns about the effectiveness of bilateral trade strategies.

What is the potential major threat to any economic cycle mentioned in the text?

How does protectionism affect global trade volumes according to the discussion?

What evidence is presented regarding the US consumer's role in the economy?

What is suggested as a more appropriate policy to balance the US trade balance?

What is the underlying issue in the US economy related to consumption and production?