Section 232 Tariffs and the Relentless Rise of U.S. “National Security” Protectionism

Since President Donald Trump’s first term, U.S. imports subject to tariffs under Section 232 national-security authority have soared. They are set to soar further, writes Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics Benn Steil. Read more

Brussels Warns Trump About Tariffs and the Lobster Trap

A trade war with the European Union could hurt many U.S. industries. The lobster trade provides a specific case study of how one significant industry could be severely harmed, writes Georgetown University Professor Marc L. Busch. Find out more

Where Does Trade Go From Here?

As global trade tensions boil over, questions about the U.S. economic future are at the center of the debate. Trade experts explore what comes next, how the United States reached this point, and how the Trump administration’s trade policies will reshape the global order of tomorrow.

Development

The Global Fragility Act Is a Model for Cost-Effective Foreign Assistance

The Global Fragility Act serves as a blueprint for smart U.S. funding to prevent and end conflict, and bipartisan congressional leaders advocate reauthorization of the 2019 law, writes Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy Linda Robinson. Read her article

Development

A Conversation With Ajay Banga

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga discusses the future of the World Bank and lessons learned from his distinguished career to open the 2025 National Conference. Watch the conversation

Perspectives

Ten Key Takeaways From Treasury’s Foreign Exchange Report

Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow Brad W. Sester analyzes the U.S. Treasury Department’s June 2025 Report on Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States. Check out Setser’s article

Event

A Conversation With Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender addresses the current state of the U.S. economy and outlines the Trump administration’s upcoming economic priorities. View the meeting

The Dollar’s Global Role and the Financing of the U.S. External Deficit

There is too much talk about the dollar’s role as a reserve currency and too little talk about expectations of exceptional returns, says Setser. Read the post

American Views on Economic Leadership  

RealEcon Director Matthew P. Goodman and Associate Director Allison J. Smith traveled across the country to ask Americans for their thoughts on trade, aid, and other international economic policies. Read more