Advanced Strategic International Trade & Trade Policy

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of international trade and the factors that influence its success or failure. Many organizations struggle to navigate the complexities of global trade, often facing challenges such as trade barriers, evolving regulations, and geopolitical tensions. This course provides a deep understanding of how international trade operates, the historical context, and the current landscape.

Participants will learn tools and techniques to assess trade policies and their implications on various sectors. The course emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to suit different markets and encourages a proactive approach to managing risks and crises in an increasingly interconnected world.

Throughout the course, we will analyze key factors essential for successful trade practices at global, national, and local levels. The final sessions will include a summary of key learning points, followed by an action planning exercise that empowers participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge immediately. Post-course support will also be available for up to six (6) months to assist with the implementation of action plans.

World Trade Basics & Trade Policy Overview 

• Fundamentals of international trade and trade policy
• Key trade agreements (WTO, FTAs, RCEP, CPTPP, etc.)
• The role of tariffs, quotas, and trade barriers
• SMEs in global trade: Challenges & opportunities

History of Trade (1913–Present) 

• Protectionist Policies (1913–1970): Tariffs, economic nationalism, and Cold War trade dynamics
• Globalization Era (1980–Present): Rise of free trade, WTO, and trade liberalization
• The shift from industrial trade to digital and service-based trade

The Geopolitics of Trade in a Multipolar World 

• US-China Trade War and its implications
• Impact of BRICS+ nations on global trade dynamics
• Trade policies under Trump vs. Biden and potential future shifts
• EU’s strategic trade policies post-Brexit

Trade Wars, Tariffs, and Sanctions as Economic Weapons 

• US & EU sanctions on Russia, Iran, and China
• China’s response: Supply chain localization & Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• Case Study: US Semiconductor Export Controls on China
• Case Study: Sanctions on Russia’s defence and energy industries
• Day 5: Trade Policy & Economic Security in the Defence Industry
• US vs. China arms trade & export controls
• Defence trade agreements (ITAR, NATO regulations, India-Russia arms trade)
• Impact of sanctions on defence exports
• Case Study: European defence industry’s struggle for market access

Trade Policy in the Global Technology Industry

• Export controls on semiconductors, AI, and 5G
• Tech wars: China’s subsidies vs. US & EU restrictions
• Impact of US CHIPS Act & EU Digital Sovereignty Strategy
• Case Study: Huawei’s struggle in Western markets

Automotive Industry & Global Trade Policy  

• EV subsidies and tariffs (China, US, EU)
• USMCA’s impact on North American car manufacturing
• China’s dominance in EV battery supply chains
• Case Study: EU tariffs on Chinese EVs & impact on European automakers

Trade & Investment Strategies in Emerging Markets 

• India’s rise as a trade hub vs. China’s supply chain dominance
• ASEAN as an alternative to China for Western businesses
• Africa’s role in future trade (AfCFTA & raw material exports)
• Case Study: Brazil’s protectionist policies in manufacturing

Sustainability & Trade Policy: The Green Economy

• Carbon tariffs and border tax adjustments (EU CBAM, US IRA)
• Supply chain sustainability regulations (ESG compliance, emissions reporting)
• China’s dominance in solar and battery production & Western dependence
• Case Study: EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) & its impact on global trade

The Role of SMEs in International Trade 

•  How governments support SMEs in global markets
• Trade finance & export credit agencies (EXIM, EIB, etc.)
• Digital trade & e-commerce as an SME export tool
• Case Study: India’s SME-driven export growth in IT services

Trade Policy in the Global Digital Media Industry 

• How digital trade differs from physical goods trade
• US-EU-China-India trade policies on streaming, music, and social media
• Impact of data localization laws on digital media companies
• Case Study: EU’s Digital Markets Act and its effect on Netflix & YouTube

Digital Taxes, Copyright Laws, and Content Quotas

• US vs. EU fight over digital services taxes (DSTs)
• China & India’s Content Censorship Laws for Streaming & Social Media
• Local content requirements in the EU, Brazil, and Australia
• Case Study: Netflix’s strategy to comply with EU’s 30% content quota rule

TikTok’s Global Regulatory Challenges & Digital Trade Barriers 

• National security concerns over TikTok in the US, EU, and India
• How China’s internet regulations affect TikTok’s global strategy
• Case Study: TikTok’s ban in India & US national security scrutiny

Netflix’s Strategy in Restrictive Markets  

• How Netflix operates in China despite restrictions
• Localization strategy: Why Netflix invests in Indian & Korean content
• Case Study: Netflix’s workaround for censorship in Saudi Arabia & Turkey

The Future of Global Trade & Policy Trends  

• Decoupling vs. De-risking: The future of US-China trade relations
• Will digital trade become the next battleground?
• The role of AI & automation in global trade policy
• Predicting the next big trade conflict

Course Review

• Summary and recap of key learning objectives
• Action Planning

This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals but will be of real value to experienced or new or aspiring:

• Corporate Professionals in international trade and business development.
• Government Officials involved in trade negotiations or policy-making.
• Academics and Students studying international relations, economics, or law.
• SME Owners and Entrepreneurs looking to expand into international markets.
• Officials involved in Trade Negotiations or Policy making
• Consultants and Analysts providing advisory services in trade and economics.
• Supply Chain Managers and Logistics Coordinators.
• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Professionals.
• Marketing and Sales Professionals focused on global markets.
• Policy Researchers and Analysts in trade-related fields.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Developed a comprehensive understanding of international trade fundamentals and key trade agreements.
• Analyzed the historical evolution of trade policies and their relevance to current practices.
• Evaluated the geopolitical factors affecting global trade dynamics, including trade wars and sanctions.
• Applied sector-specific knowledge to identify challenges and opportunities within various industries.
• Recognized the role of emerging markets and sustainability in shaping trade strategies.
• Implemented best practices for SMEs to optimize their engagement in international trade.
• Formulated critical insights into future trends in global trade, including digital trade and AI impacts.
• Created an actionable plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course in your organization.