Ep. 35: War, Global Trade Pressures, China, Europe, Mexico, Japan and the Durability of Tariffs

In the latest episode of the Friday Exchange, our trade insiders break down the evolving uncertainty around U.S. tariff policy as Section 301 emerges as a key tool to sustain leverage and potentially fill the gap. The panel examines the durability of existing trade frameworks and agreements, along with growing tensions with partners in Europe and Asia, where ongoing and potential Section 301 investigations could complicate negotiations and ratification efforts. The discussion also turns to the broader geopolitical context shaping trade, including the postponed U.S. China Summit, the increasing use of economic leverage, China’s control of critical mineral supply chains, and global energy vulnerabilities affecting the U.S. and its allies. Panelists also look ahead to the USMCA review, and potential divergence in outcomes with Canada and Mexico.Wendy Cutler, Senior Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute; former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade RepresentativeEverett Eissenstat, Partner, Public Policy Practice Group, Squire Patton Boggs; former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director, National Economic Council in the first Trump Administration; and the former Assistant USTR for the Americas, among other rolesChris Padilla, Senior Advisor, Brunswick Group; former Under Secretary of Commerce for International TradeMike Smart, Managing Director, Rock Creek Global Advisors; former Director for International Trade and Investment, National Security Council, The White House; former Trade Counsel, Democratic Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Financehttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/19/2026-05409/notice-of-continuation-and-request-for-applications-for-the-industry-trade-advisory-committees