OEC Stories

Our editor team use OEC tools to find new insights and trends about world trade. Explore the new short stories.
Bystander Bonanza: How Mexico Pulled off a Victory in the U.S.-China Trade War
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | March 2024
In the U.S.-China trade war battlefield, Mexico cleans up. The U.S.'s leading goods supplier is no longer in the Far East. The new “Near South” is open for business.
Silk Roads and Data Mountains: HS22 Signals the Emergence of Global Trade as Information
Silk Roads and Data Mountains: HS22 Signals the Emergence of Global Trade as Information
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | February 2024
How the evolving Harmonized System (HS) and its 2022 revision are creating a single ocean of pure information on which the entire global trading economy can float.
BRICS+ and Mortar: Cementing A Growing Consortium With Powerful Bilateral Partnerships
BRICS+ and Mortar: Cementing A Growing Consortium With Powerful Bilateral Partnerships
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | February 2024
In the dawn of 2024, Brazil and China are not just trading partners; they're setting a precedent for how emerging markets can redefine power dynamics on the world stage.
Defying Gravity in Space: Seeking Out New Resources To Transform Earth’s Supply Chains
Defying Gravity in Space: Seeking Out New Resources To Transform Earth’s Supply Chains
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | February 2024
In 2023, the space industry's leap toward transforming Earth's supply chains reached a $550 billion milestone, opening doors to unparalleled resources and technologies. Are we on the brink of a space-based economic revolution?
Monetary Magic or Costly Complexity? Argentina, Global Trade, and Dollarization
Monetary Magic or Costly Complexity? Argentina, Global Trade, and Dollarization
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | January 2024
The U.S. dollar has become increasingly important in everyday transactions. Argentina’s new president wants to make the dollar the official currency. What can it fix and what could it break?
Suez Canal: Engineering Marvel And Crisis Chokepoint
Suez Canal: Engineering Marvel And Crisis Chokepoint
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | January 2024
Canal Blockages in the Suez and in Panama have amplified the urgency for closer cooperation on global trade.  Economies and industries dependent on a few critical maritime routes make essential goods, from food grains to electronics vulnerable to violent disruption.
Drones: Beyond the Battlefield – In War and Peace The Sky is No Limit
Drones: Beyond the Battlefield – In War and Peace The Sky is No Limit
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | November 2023
Drone technology is probably watching you right now. Diplomacy, military strategy, recreation, culture are all being transformed by drones. The trade numbers for the drone sector, we can say, are taking off. We are also confident that this is an understatement.
Planet Hotness: Halloween Peaks Record Temp Year
Planet Hotness: Halloween Peaks Record Temp Year
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | November 2023
Global temperatures exceed the 2 degrees Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time. It’s an alarming signal of trade disruption from extreme weather to widespread food insecurity.
OEC at 12
OEC at 12
By Tycho Vaughan | October 2023
The Physicist, the Designer, the Engineer and the Galileos of Complexity Behind the OEC
Power at the Surface: Drilling Platforms Move Over for Wind Turbines
Power at the Surface: Drilling Platforms Move Over for Wind Turbines
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | October 2023
The Federal Government Driven Gulf Louisiana Offshore Wind Propeller Hub Transforms The View From the Baton Rouge/New Orleans Economy.
Water Water Everywhere, and Every Drop For Sale: The Global Water Trade
Water Water Everywhere, and Every Drop For Sale: The Global Water Trade
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | October 2023
From bottled water to the flow of H2O in countless products and industrial processes, the global water trade is the ultimate "Zero Sum Game" as all life on the planet participates in the search for water. This month we uncover the economic, environmental, and geopolitical implications of the commodity that no part of the global economy can do without.
The UAW Strike Aims to Demonstrate Labor's Global Impact
The UAW Strike Aims to Demonstrate Labor's Global Impact
By Gilberto GarcÍa-Vazquez | September 2023
From the heart of Detroit to the bustling trade hubs in the Southern US, a labor union's strategy of gradual strike expansion slowly turns the screws on industry at a time of unprecedented change and potential vulnerability for the auto giants.
Storm on the Sun: China's Solar Flare Dominates An Emerging Technology
Storm on the Sun: China's Solar Flare Dominates An Emerging Technology
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | August 2023
Four key metrics—Degree Centrality, Betweenness Centrality, Closeness Centrality, and PageRank—offer valuable insights into network robustness. China consistently ranks at the top across all these metrics within the solar energy sector. How can we better understand and anticipate the impact of that dominance?
When is a Chain NOT a Chain? Does China's Dominance in Critical Supply Chains Strengthen or Weaken the Global Economy?
When is a Chain NOT a Chain? Does China's Dominance in Critical Supply Chains Strengthen or Weaken the Global Economy?
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | August 2023
Green technology from China drives innovation and sustainability. But does reliance on one nation's expertise create risk and increase the need for international cooperation in a time of geopolitical tensions?
A Climate Catastrophe. El Niño Meets the Great U.S. Drought: A Global Food Crisis Looms
A Climate Catastrophe. El Niño Meets the Great U.S. Drought: A Global Food Crisis Looms
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | June 2023
DAMNING DATA: You are looking at the geographic signature of El Niño colliding with the drought in the Western United States. We must address an urgent question: how can we identify sustainable solutions before food insecurity disrupts the global food supply?
Green Shift: How Renewable Energy is Powering a Global Trade Revolution
Green Shift: How Renewable Energy is Powering a Global Trade Revolution
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | June 2023
As cleantech reshapes global trade, data shows the impact of renewable energy and the challenges to fulfilling the promise of a greener future.
Decoding the Secrets of Global Trade: The Power of Bill of Lading Data
Decoding the Secrets of Global Trade: The Power of Bill of Lading Data
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | May 2023
Unlock the potential of real-time global trade and supply chain insights by harnessing the power of company-level data.
Harnessing Complexity: The Path to Mexico's Green-Tech Future
Harnessing Complexity: The Path to Mexico's Green-Tech Future
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | May 2023
Unlocking Mexico's green-tech future hinges on the transformative potential of industry-academia collaboration.
One More Time: China and Africa Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
One More Time: China and Africa Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | April 2023
Africa has the Green Goods, China has the Green Tech. So can this Collaboration finally be a better deal for a historically exploited Africa?
Electrifying Times: The Surge of the Electric Mobility Revolution
Electrifying Times: The Surge of the Electric Mobility Revolution
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | March 2023
The electric mobility revolution is gaining momentum, driven by increasing exports of electric vehicles, bikes, and buses. This is how supportive policies and supply chain challenges shape the future of sustainable transportation.
How Trade Bounced Back in 2021: Four Trends You Need to Know
How Trade Bounced Back in 2021: Four Trends You Need to Know
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | March 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the world economy and disrupted global trade like never before. But 2021 brought some good news for traders and consumers alike. Here are four surprising trends that shaped trade in 2021 and what they mean for the future.
From Trade Wars to Trench Wars: How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Disrupted Global Trade
From Trade Wars to Trench Wars: How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Disrupted Global Trade
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | February 2023
The alliance of Russia and China has been strengthened, yet technological sanctions from NATO+ countries continue to harm Russia.
When China and the US Have a Trade War, Mexico Wins
When China and the US Have a Trade War, Mexico Wins
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | January 2023
The US-China trade is causing some companies to look for Mexico as an alternative to sourcing from China.
2022 Trade Highlights: Record Growth, but a Slowdown in Manufacturing
2022 Trade Highlights: Record Growth, but a Slowdown in Manufacturing
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | January 2023
According to recently released trade data, in 2022, trade registered record highs primarily due to increases in the value of energy and food. Although other industries also grew in trade value, recent trends highlight challenges for several sectors, including electronics, chemical products, and transportation.
Multidimensional Economic Complexity and Inclusive Green Growth
Multidimensional Economic Complexity and Inclusive Green Growth
By Stojkoski, Koch, & Hidalgo | January 2023
Metrics of economic complexity are used routinely by international organizations, national ministries, and regional development agencies to explain international differences in inclusive green growth. But the metrics of economic complexity used commonly in these international comparisons are based on trade data, which while being internationally comparable, has the disadvantage of favoring countries that are close to advanced economies. That is, trade-based metrics can overestimate the economic complexity of countries integrated into the value chains of sophisticated neighbors (e.g., Slovakia) and underestimate the complexity of countries that are geographically distant to global markets (e.g., Australia).
Glimpse Into China's Economic Slowdown After Lockdowns
Glimpse Into China's Economic Slowdown After Lockdowns
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | December 2022
The latest trade data from China suggest that the country's "zero-COVID" policies have affected exports from crucial industries.
Will New Export Controls Hinder China's Progress in High-End AI Chip Development?
Will New Export Controls Hinder China's Progress in High-End AI Chip Development?
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | October 2022
The US government has imposed new export controls to limit China's development of high-end chips with AI applications. However, even if the US government is successful in restricting the sale of specific chips and chip-making equipment to China, China would likely be able to develop high-end AI chips using other means.
Made in Britain. Can UK Manufacturing Get Its Mojo Back?
Made in Britain. Can UK Manufacturing Get Its Mojo Back?
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | October 2022
At a time when the UK has created trade barriers with the EU, its largest trading partner, short-lived government plans have added turmoil to the British economy.
How Climate Change is Disrupting the Global Food Chain
How Climate Change is Disrupting the Global Food Chain
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | September 2022
Listen to the audio from this episode of the OEC News podcast
Bottlenecks in the Fertilizer Industry are a Threat to the Food Supply
Bottlenecks in the Fertilizer Industry are a Threat to the Food Supply
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | September 2022
The war in Ukraine, rising energy costs, and restrictive trade policies have reduced fertilizer supplies while raising prices. While the repercussions of shortages will be felt globally, some countries like India and Brazil are among the most impacted.
What the U.S. Climate Law Means for International Trade
What the U.S. Climate Law Means for International Trade
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | August 2022
US President Joe Biden signed a climate bill with global implications for international trade. The roughly $370 billion in federal financing would significantly impact critical sectors, such as home appliances, transportation, and energy.
Amid Escalating Mortgage Crisis, China Sees a 15% Decline in June Imports of Residential Construction Materials
Amid Escalating Mortgage Crisis, China Sees a 15% Decline in June Imports of Residential Construction Materials
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | July 2022
It started with China's real estate bonds falling due to the country's property debt crisis last December. Now, thousands of people around China are refusing to make mortgage payments for homes yet to finish. As China’s mortgage crisis deepens, it creates a crater that threatens exporters everywhere.
Bavaria's Dependency on Russian Gas Runs Deep
Bavaria's Dependency on Russian Gas Runs Deep
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | July 2022
In 1970, West Germany and the Soviet Union signed a contract for a gas pipeline connecting Siberia to Bavaria. Today, Russia supplies more than half of Germany's natural gas, roughly half of its coal, and a third of its oil.
How Russia is Winning the Trade War
How Russia is Winning the Trade War
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | June 2022
Record energy prices and dependency on fossil fuels are making Russia the winner in the trade war.
How COVID Changed International Trade
How COVID Changed International Trade
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | May 2022
It only took a few months for the pandemic to change the economy. Some shifts, such as the rush for gold, were temporary, others, such as the electrification of transportation, accelerated. Here is a summary of what the recently released international trade data tells us about the winners and losers of 2020.
Palladium, Catalytic Converters, and the Challenges of Economic Sanctions
Palladium, Catalytic Converters, and the Challenges of Economic Sanctions
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | April 2022
A sharp increase in catalytic converter robberies to extract palladium highlights the far-reaching consequences of the Russian invasion and the intricate calculations of economic sanctions.
Supply Chain Bottlenecks for the Car Industry Continue
Supply Chain Bottlenecks for the Car Industry Continue
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | April 2022
New border policies implemented by the state government in Texas are hurting critical supply chains for the auto industry in North America.
How Will Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Affect Global Food Access?
How Will Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Affect Global Food Access?
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | March 2022
Historic droughts in the U.S. plus supply chain disruptions from the pandemic have stressed food trade and driven prices extraordinarily high
The Other Sunflower Seeds War
The Other Sunflower Seeds War
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | March 2022
Sunflowers are Ukraine's national symbol and the seeds for a global industry. The Russian invasion is creating a significant shortage worldwide.
2020 Trends in Economic Complexity
2020 Trends in Economic Complexity
By César A. Hidalgo | March 2022
Now that more than a fifth of the twenty-first century is behind us, it is time to take stock of long-term trends in economic complexity.
How China & Korea Became Leaders in Electric Vehicle Exports
How China & Korea Became Leaders in Electric Vehicle Exports
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | February 2022
Electric Vehicles and associated supply chains are a crucial technology where the United States' lead has, in the past decade, moved to China and South Korea. Understanding how this happened is essential to developing other areas of essential innovation for a net-zero economy.
The Supply Chain Was Messy. Then COVID Happened
The Supply Chain Was Messy. Then COVID Happened
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | October 2021
The Great Supply Chain Disruption didn't start with the pandemic. The US-China trade war disturbed the Global Supply Chain; extreme weather amplified its vulnerabilities. Then, COVID hit.
The Effects of Climate Change on Brazilian Coffee Exports
The Effects of Climate Change on Brazilian Coffee Exports
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | September 2021
Climate change is making your morning cup of coffee more expensive. How much more depends on your taste.
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Drop 61% in the First Three Quarters of 2022
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Drop 61% in the First Three Quarters of 2022
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | September 2021
According to recent data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, cotton exports from India dropped by 61% in September 2022 compared to the same month a year earlier.
Haiti’s Elusive Path to Development Might Begin With T-shirts
Haiti’s Elusive Path to Development Might Begin With T-shirts
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | August 2021
When you buy a T-shirt made in Haiti, you are getting more than an inexpensive piece of clothing. It is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, missing opportunities, and hope for a better future.
Cuba's Outlawed Path Towards Economic Prosperity Might Finally Get a Shot
Cuba's Outlawed Path Towards Economic Prosperity Might Finally Get a Shot
By Gilberto García-Vazquez | July 2021
For decades, Cuba has been at the forefront of biotechnology. A new COVID-19 vaccine might present the opportunity for the Island to display its skills to the World.

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