2025 Undergraduate Spring Panel: The US Trade Policy: Global Village? Small Yard, Tall Fence?

Neo-protectionism is reshaping global trade as countries impose tariffs, export controls, and reshoring policies to protect domestic industries. This shift, accelerated by geopolitical tensions including the U.S.-China trade conflict, is redefining economic growth, innovation, and trade relationships. While advocates argue that tariffs and reshoring strengthen national security and economic resilience, critics warn of higher consumer prices, retaliatory trade measures, and strained international cooperation. The discussion will explore the economic trade-offs between self-sufficiency and globalization, assessing how recent tariff policies will impact U.S. competitiveness, industrial strategy, and global economic stability.

Join Oeconomica, the University of Chicago’s Undergraduate Economics Society, for their annual Spring Panel in collaboration with BFI on May 16, 2025. This year’s discussion will explore US trade policy, featuring experts Pol Antràs, Chang-Tai Hsieh, and Robert Staiger, alongside two student moderators.