Trade & Tariffs

The global trading system is being reshaped. From the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to trade wars, the traditional rules-based trading order is under more pressure than at any time in a century. Trade policy is now at the center of global economics and national security.

Spotlight

New Atlanticist

Dec 10, 2025

China’s overcapacity problem ‘doesn’t mean we can’t trade together,’ says US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer

By Katherine Golden

Greer spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event, where he unpacked a year in which US President Donald Trump implemented an aggressive trade strategy that resulted in clashes with China.

China European Union
Africa Embraces the Promise of Free Trade

Dispatches Feb 24, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on what’s next for US tariff policy 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain what’s next for US tariff policy as the Trump administration imposes 10 percent global tariffs in response to Friday’s Supreme Court ruling.
Economy & Business European Union
Africa Embraces the Promise of Free Trade

Fast Thinking Feb 20, 2026

The Supreme Court just struck down most of Trump’s tariffs. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council

The Supreme Court ruled that the US president does not have the power to unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Rule of Law Trade and tariffs
Africa Embraces the Promise of Free Trade

New Atlanticist Nov 7, 2025

The Supreme Court might slow Trump’s strategy. But he still has other tariff options.

By Sophia Busch

If the administration’s primary objective is to preserve tariff revenue and counter unfair practices, sections 301, 232, or 122 remain viable alternatives.
Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Trump Tariff Tracker

The second Trump administration has embarked on a novel and aggressive tariff policy to address a range of economic and national security concerns. This tracker monitors the evolution of these tariffs and provides expert context on the economic conditions driving their creation—along with their real-world impact.

Watch

Events

Public Event Wed, March 4, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

EXIM Bank Chairman John Jovanovic on US priorities for global competitiveness

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—John Jovanovic, president and chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, discusses EXIM’s role in supporting US manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and recalibrating trade.
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security Trade and tariffs
Public Event Tue, February 24, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Unlocking new opportunities in US-Guatemala trade and investment
Americas Central America Economy & Business Latin America
Public Event Fri, February 20, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 US-Caribbean Maritime and Ports Forum
Americas Artificial Intelligence Caribbean Climate Change & Climate Action
Public Event Tue, February 17, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Turkey’s evolving role in a new global geopolitical and security order
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Iran Iraq
Online Event Wed, January 14, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

The future of EU-Mercosur trade
European Union Latin America Trade and tariffs
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Programs

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

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The Europe Center promotes leadership, strategies, and analysis to ensure a strong, ambitious, and forward-looking transatlantic relationship.

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The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

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The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.

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Content

EconoGraphics

Apr 12, 2018

Africa Embraces the Promise of Free Trade

By Ole Moehr, Zachary Coles, and Alexatrini Tsiknia

Africa Embraces the Promise of Free Trade

Africa Economy & Business

Trade in Action

Apr 9, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION April 9, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

On the US side: President Trump revealed his intention to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports Tuesday night. A few hours later, China struck back with an announcement of retaliatory tariffs on $50 billion worth of US goods imports, mainly concentrated on agricultural produce.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

AfricaSource

Apr 3, 2018

Who are the winners and losers of Africa’s new free trade agreement?

By Abdoul Salam Bello and Jonathan Gass

Last month, the leaders of forty-four African nations signed a framework agreement to form a continental free-trade zone that will encompass a billion people and up to $3 trillion of cumulative GDP. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would be the largest free trade agreement since the founding of the World Trade Organization over […]

Africa East Africa
tilesb.png

Trade in Action

Mar 31, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION March 31, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

On the EU side: The EU launched a safeguard investigation  into steel products to prevent trade diversion into the EU.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Event Recap

Mar 26, 2018

Turkey’s growing presence in Africa, and opportunities and challenges to watch in 2018

By Pınar Dost

A high-level Turkish government and business delegation headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently returned from Africa after visiting Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali. This trip is the continuation of a series of visits and initiatives undertaken by Turkey as part of its official policy of “Opening to Africa” which began in 2005. As Turkey’s […]

Africa Economy & Business

Trade in Action

Mar 23, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION March 22, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Trade in Action

Mar 19, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION March 16, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

HEADLINESMarch madness seems to transcend from sports to trade these days… On the US side: As the US President releases more details on the upcoming tariffs, there has also been considerable concern surrounding the national security justification behind the tariff package, as it might be creating precedent for other countries to do the same. President Trump also […]

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Event Recap

Mar 18, 2018

The Future of the EU-US-UK Trade Triangle

By Global Business & Economics Program

On Thursday, March 15, 2018, the Atlantic Council's Global Business and Economics program hosted a lunch discussion on the EU-UK-US Trade Triangle future with Liam Fox, the UK Secretary of State for International Trade. The private event was part of the Eurogrowth initiative.

Economy & Business European Union

Trade in Action

Mar 16, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION March 9, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

HEADLINESGlobal: The 11 member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) (Formerly TPP but now without the United States) signed the new trade agreement in Chile yesterday. 

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs
Capture

Trade in Action

Mar 2, 2018

TRADE IN ACTION March 2, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

HEADLINESOn the EU side: Brexit negotiations resume between U.K. and EU officials on the thorny issue of the transition period.   

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs
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Experts

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Fellow

Beth Baltzan

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Advisory Council member

Martha Bárcena

Former Ambassador of Mexico to the United States

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Fellow

Tyson Barker

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Fellow

Ridhika Batra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, India

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy
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Events

Flagship Event Fri, December 11, 2026 • 8:30 am ET

2026 Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics

The Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics is an annual flagship convening focused on issues at the nexus of economics, finance, foreign policy, and national security.
Digital Policy Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia European Union