Happy new year, readers!

What does 2022 have in store for global trade?

To learn about upcoming trends in trade, check out John Miller’s top 10 list in the Trade Data Monitor. For US trade policy, Stephen Overly at Politico has five predictions, while Aime Williams in the Financial Times forecasts trouble for President Biden’s trade policies.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) became operational on January 1. The United Nations Commission for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) calls it the world’s new center of gravity for global trade. Deborah Elms of the Asian Trade Centre explains the agreement’s benefits.

The CPTPP is another power bloc. Cecilia Malmström, now of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, argues for the EU to strategically use its trade power and perhaps consider joining the trade bloc. Jeffrey Schott provides a helpful overview of the composition – current and aspirational – of both the CPTPP and RCEP.