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International Commerce

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International trade—business conducted across national borders—drives GDP and directly and indirectly affects global alliances, globalization, and the economic health of nations. RAND research has examined international trade in contexts as diverse as arms trafficking, the drug trade, international nuclear commerce, trade unions, the U.S.-China trade deficit, and economic investment in Ukraine.

Commentary

RCEP Forms the World's Largest Trading Bloc. What Does This Mean for Global Trade?

Dec 9, 2020

In November, 15 nations signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free-trade agreement of economic and political significance eight years in the making. Why have some heralded RCEP as a landmark agreement?
Report

The Abraham Accords Could Have Wide-Reaching Economic Benefits

Mar 18, 2021

The Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim nations represent a possible new chapter in the region's development—away from conflict and toward a shared vision of economic prosperity. Israel's partners could gain 150,000 new jobs. And that could grow to 4 million new jobs over a decade if other nations join.

Explore International Trade

Journal Article

Rules of Origin and Trade Preference Utilization Among Least Developed Countries

This article assesses how the utilization of trade agreements responds to rules of origin revisions that allow for more foreign content in exported products.

Mar 23, 2021
Journal Article

Improving Preferential Market Access Through Rules of Origin: Firm-Level Evidence from Bangladesh

This paper studies how rules of origin in potential export markets influence the export behavior of firms in least-developed countries.

Mar 23, 2021
Report

The Geopolitics of South Korea–China Relations

As Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific increases, U.S. allies and partners are adapting their strategic posture. But even as a key U.S. ally, South Korea seems different. How is Beijing’s growing influence in regional affairs affecting relations between South Korea and China? And what effect do they have on U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific?

Nov 18, 2020
Commentary

A Free Trade Agreement Still Comes with Costs

Major issues must be resolved before any UK-EU agreement on post-Brexit trade and economic relations is completed. There will be substantial costs associated with even a zero-tariff trade deal.

Oct 23, 2020
Report

How American Influence Has Declined, and What Can Be Done About It

The United States has been declining in foreign policy achievements for two decades. Skeptics need to be persuaded that working for a more peaceful and prosperous world is in America's national and their personal interest. And sustained public support for international engagement requires cooperation across party lines.

Sep 8, 2020
Report

How Does North Korean Leadership Make Decisions?

With talks between the United States and North Korea at a standstill, U.S. policymakers must consider what the regime might do next and know what signs or decisions to look for. Will Kim open the DPRK economy? What if conventional deterrence fails on the Korean Peninsula? And what could lead to the use of nuclear weapons?

Aug 20, 2020
Report

Provision of an indicative, non-exhaustive list of conflict-affected and high-risk areas under Regulation 2017/821: Task A – Methodology development

This report presents the methodology proposed by RAND Europe to produce an indicative, non-exhaustive, regularly updated list of CAHRAs under Regulation 2017/821.

Jul 30, 2020
Commentary

The Cost of Brexit Uncertainty

Leaving the European Union has had an overall negative economic effect on the UK economy, and there are additional economic costs associated with the uncertainty surrounding the new relationship. Will there be a deal? And if so, what type of deal is likely?

Jul 8, 2020
Commentary

Demystifying the Belt and Road Initiative

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China works with more than 70 countries to design and implement large infrastructure projects. Why are countries of all stripes turning to China for funding when the world is awash with cash?

Jul 6, 2020
Report

Global Economic Trends and the Future of Warfare: The Changing Global Environment and Its Implications for the U.S. Air Force

This volume of the Future of Warfare series examines economic trends that could affect U.S. national security, including pressure on the global trading system, the rise of China, searches for new resources, and the decreasing power of U.S. sanctions.

May 11, 2020
Report

Security Risks of China's Investments in Israel

Chinese investments in Israeli high-tech companies and major infrastructure projects present distinct concerns for Israel and the United States. They could lead to leaks of sensitive technology and cyberespionage. And these risks could affect the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Apr 7, 2020
Testimony

How Does COVID-19 Affect Small and Medium-Sized Businesses?

In China, as in most countries, small and medium-sized enterprises are the engines of the economy. An analysis of China's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and how it has affected China's economy and the global supply chain provides useful insights for the U.S. government and businesses.

Mar 10, 2020
Blog

Coronavirus Outbreak, Drones, the U.S. Power Grid: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the intensifying coronavirus outbreak, cyber threats from drones, the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid, and more.

Mar 6, 2020
Commentary

The Costs of Brexit Uncertainty

It may be tempting to think that Brexit is now done. But the UK's formal departure from the EU in late January was only the end of the beginning. And uncertainty is likely to affect the UK's economic performance moving forward.

Mar 3, 2020
Infographic

Estimating the Economic Benefits of Levant Integration: A Look at the Numbers

This infographic helps users assess values of economic integration in the Levant in a variety of ways.

Feb 24, 2020
Blog

Community Schools, Brexit, Coronavirus: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the promise of community schools, the costs of uncertainty after Brexit, the coronavirus, and more.

Jan 31, 2020
Report

Further Trade Uncertainty Due to Brexit Could Cost UK Billions

The UK's official departure from the EU only ends the first phase of trade uncertainty related to Brexit. Costs to the UK economy are likely to continue during the UK–EU renegotiation period and will increase over time. By the end of 2020, UK GDP could decrease by $5.5 billion (£4.4bn).

Jan 28, 2020
Multimedia

What Are the Potential Economic Implications of Prolonged UK–EU Trade Policy Uncertainty?

In this Call with the Experts podcast, RAND researchers discuss the potential economic implications of prolonged trade policy uncertainty associated with the renegotiation period between the UK and EU after Brexit.

Jan 24, 2020

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RAND Topic:
International Trade

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