What is trade? Goods move, money moves back
Imports, exports, tariffs and trade balances, explained with the everyday goods they show up in.
Priya Vaithilingam · September 23, 2026
Trade examines the rules that govern goods crossing borders: tariff schedules and exclusions, rules of origin, customs classification, export licensing and controls, and the agreements behind them. Explainers work each change through to landed cost on a named product. Useful for sourcing managers, trade counsel and manufacturers with international suppliers.
Trade examines the rules that govern goods crossing borders: tariff schedules and exclusions, rules of origin, customs classification, export licensing and controls, and the agreements behind them. Explainers work each change through to landed cost on a named product. Useful for sourcing managers, trade counsel and manufacturers with international suppliers.
Imports, exports, tariffs and trade balances, explained with the everyday goods they show up in.
Priya Vaithilingam · September 23, 2026
The importer of record pays the duty to Customs at the border; who ultimately bears the cost depends on contracts, supply chains, and how much prices can move.
Priya Vaithilingam · August 28, 2026
Commerce sets the margin, the International Trade Commission sets the injury finding, and the statutory clock between them decides when importers start paying.
Priya Vaithilingam · August 20, 2026
US and Mexican negotiators opened a third round of bilateral discussions in July 2026, with rules of origin as the prize and auto supply chains as the stakes.
Priya Vaithilingam · July 27, 2026
Fees on Chinese-built vessels touch every carrier calling at US ports, and the cost shows up in freight rates and fleet orders.
Priya Vaithilingam · July 5, 2026