Current Trade Policy Challenges and Opportunities: the Path(s) Forward

GEORGETOWN ON THE HILL UNIVERSITY Center for Business and Public Policy MCDONOUGH SCHOOL of BUSINESS Guest Speakers: Landegger Professor of International Business Diplomacy, Marc Busch, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University Chris Condon, Chief Financial Officer, Scout Motors Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist, World Trade Organization

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During the Fall 2024 Semester, the Center for Business and Public Policy hosted a Georgetown on the Hill (GOTH) event titled “Current Trade Policy Challenges and Opportunities: the Path(s) Forward.” The event featured a panel discussion with leading experts who explored critical global trade issues and their impact on businesses and the economy.

Panelists addressed key challenges such as semiconductor availability, the reorganization of global value chains, rising protectionism, and international intellectual property protection. With U.S.-E.U.-China trade relationships under scrutiny, panelists discussed strategies ranging from unilateral actions to WTO-level agreements and their broader economic implications. Marc Busch noted, “The US has not simply pulled back behind protectionist walls but is in full retreat on the global stage,” emphasizing the urgency of strategic trade approaches.

This event took on additional significance in light of current global trade tensions, including semiconductor shortages and export controls in the context of U.S.-China disputes, highlighting  the need for cooperative solutions and informed policymaking. Ralph Ossa noted, “We first need to realize that international trade, if conducted rightly, is actually an important part of the solution to overcoming these challenges and not necessarily an obstacle,” calling for a more balanced narrative around globalization.

Scott Keogh provided a business perspective, stating, “The reality is for these automakers who are largely global players, they need to find additional customers in order to justify investments,” stressing the importance of predictable global trade rules.

The panel featured Marc Busch, Landegger Professor of International Business Diplomacy at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, Scott Keogh, CEO and President of Scout Motors, and Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The discussion was moderated by Brad Jensen, McCrane/Shaker Chair in International Business, and Ferdinando Monte, Associate Professor, both from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.

The Center for Business and Public Policy thanks the distinguished panelists and moderators for their insightful contributions and participation in fostering a deeper understanding of modern trade policy challenges and opportunities.