Author Article List

Protectionism Shouldn't Scapegoat China

Published on Saturday, September 01, 2007

Tainted Chinese imports have become a serious problem. The Chinese government realizes this and has taken swift action, including shutting down 180 food processing plants since December and executing the former director of the its drug and safety agency for corruption.

But due to economic realities beyond that government's grasp, Chinese imports likely will continue to be a problem in the short term. That's why American importers need to step up to the plate and assume greater responsibility.

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Importers Beware

Published on Saturday, September 01, 2007

Each year, more than 75 million Americans get sick from eating spoiled or contaminated food. The result: approximately 325,000 are hospitalized and 5,000 die, according to the Progressive Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C. think tank. The vast majority of contaminated food is produced in the United States. But since a growing share of food products — estimated at 13 percent — is sourced abroad, importers need to be vigilant and vet their suppliers.

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Latin America Rising

Published on Saturday, September 01, 2007

Latin America is experiencing strong economic growth and its social conditions are improving at a rapid pace. Incomes are rising, the middle class is expanding and consumer demand is increasing.

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Russia and the Elusive WTO

Published on Saturday, September 01, 2007

The Russian Federation requested membership in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, now the World Trade Organization (WTO), in June 1993. At various points along the way, accession appeared imminent. In recent months it appeared that Russia — the largest economy not yet admitted — could be given the green light in 2008. But if current U.S.-Russian relations remain cool, and certain issues are not remedied, this could be well off the mark.

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