Brexiteers can be forgiven for indulging in a little ‘schadenfreude’ at the news that the EU has agreed the principles of a trade deal with the US on worse terms than the UK was able to achieve. Nonetheless, there are very few winners here. For a start, a final agreement is still some way off. … Continue reading US-EU trade ‘deal’ avoids an even worse outcome, but this is still little to cheer
Tag: Tariffs
The UK economy’s strong start to the year was a flash in the pan (reprise)
On Monday the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that the UK economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of the year, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That may sound impressive and was certainly better than most had expected a few months earlier. But unfortunately, it was as good as it gets. … Continue reading The UK economy’s strong start to the year was a flash in the pan (reprise)
What to make of Trump’s tariffs?
Here are the slides from a presentation I gave today to sixth form students at a school in Reading. It features a discussion of the pros and (mostly) cons of the new US tariffs policy and concludes with a recommended book and a film for budding economists! What to make of Trump's tariffs (9 May … Continue reading What to make of Trump’s tariffs?
UK-India trade deal is a win-win, despite fears over NI exemptions
The last 24 hours have been frustrating and, frankly, a little weird. ‘Frustrating’ because the benefits of the new UK-India trade deal – a clear Brexit win – are still being overshadowed by the row over social security contributions. ‘Weird’ because I have found myself siding with a Labour government against many people who I … Continue reading UK-India trade deal is a win-win, despite fears over NI exemptions
Plain-speaking Economics 