In this episode of The Decisive podcast, experts from S&P Global Market Intelligence explore the complexities of global trade negotiations and their profound impact on geopolitical relationships. The panel discusses the objectives behind U.S. trade policy, including the implementation of tariffs as negotiation tools and their implications for job markets and elections.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how countries in Southeast Asia and members of the European Union are navigating the dynamic trade environment, striving to maintain economic growth while advocating for reform in the global trade system. The episode also highlights the strategic importance of trade relationships for Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, as they balance ties with the U.S. and China amid evolving tariff discussions.

Join us for an engaging exploration of how current tariff negotiations are reshaping international relations and vice versa.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Country Risk Month Ahead: May 2025
• Trade and tariffs insights and news
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: John Raines, Anton Alifandi, Dijedon Imeri, Jose Enrique Sevilla-Macip
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Paul Smith is joined by fellow economists Andrew Harker and Annabel Fiddes to explore the latest findings from the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data. The discussion focuses on the significant impact of recent tariff announcements on the global economy, with a particular emphasis on Asia.

Listeners will gain insights into the current state of global goods trade, which has seen a notable decline in manufacturing new export orders—the largest month-on-month reduction since August 2023. The episode also explores the mixed manufacturing output trends across Asia, highlighting strong performances in some regions alongside declines in others, particularly due to shifting US trade policies.

Additionally, the podcast addresses the labor market trends in the UK, examining how changes in payroll costs and national insurance rates have affected hiring practices and candidate availability. With global business confidence at a two-and-a-half-year low, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry professionals alike.

Listen now to stay informed on the latest economic developments and understand how high-frequency data can guide decision-making in uncertain times.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Goods producers in Asia signal sharp loss of export momentum
• Trade and tariffs insights and news
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Paul Smith
• Guests: Andrew Harker, Annabel Fiddes
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the shipping and logistics industry.

Joined by industry experts Eric Oak and Eric Johnson, the discussion covers the distinctions between AI and automation, the current applications of AI in shipping, and the challenges companies face in leveraging this technology.

The conversation also touches on future trends, the evolving workforce landscape, and the potential for AI to reshape traditional roles within the industry.

Tune in to gain insights on how AI is a tool as well as a catalyst for change in logistics, enhancing efficiency and decision-making in a rapidly digitizing world.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Sectoral divide in AI adoption
• Tariff-related disruption spreading as US shippers 'pause' plans
• Navigating the Future of AI in Third-Party Risk Management

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Eric Johnson, Eric Oak
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

Join host Kristen Hallam and a panel of experts as they discuss the growing concerns of domestic instability impacting countries around the globe. With a focus on the repercussions of the 2024 election cycle, the conversation explores how economic inequality, technological disruptions, and political polarization are reshaping social contracts between governments and citizens.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the political landscape of key regions, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The experts analyze the implications of recent elections, the challenges faced by coalition governments, and the potential for civil unrest in nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa.

From the legitimacy crises in Bangladesh to the political shifts in Indonesia and the economic reforms in Argentina, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of global affairs. Discover how these developments may impact businesses and the broader economic environment.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Picture This: US Tariff Actions Create Trade Wall
• Global economic outlook: April 2025
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Anton Alifandi, Bibianna Norek, Carla Selman, Martin Roberts
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this insightful episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam moderates a discussion on the potential impacts of the April 2 tariff announcements and their implications for global trade. Featuring expert analyses from S&P Global Market Intelligence's Ken Wattret, Aries Poon, Eric Oak, and Thomas McCartin, the episode explores how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, affecting domestic industries, and influencing economic forecasts.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of tariffs, including section 301 duties and section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, and how these changes are impacting various sectors such as automotive and electronics.

Whether you're a business leader, policy maker, or simply interested in the dynamics of global trade, this episode offers essential perspectives to stay informed and prepared for the evolving landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• International Trade and Tariffs Insights & News
• Tariff FAQs
• Power plays: Themes for 2025

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Ken Wattret, Aries Poon, Eric Oak, Thomas McCartin
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives deep into the intricacies of PIERS, the Port Import-Export Reporting System, with Brendan Neary, Product Manager in S&P Global's trade portfolio.

Together, they explore the evolution of PIERS data, its historical significance, and its vital role in understanding global trade flows. Brendan explains how the dataset has adapted to modern challenges, including the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Listeners will gain an understanding of how various industries leverage PIERS data for procurement, compliance, and market analysis, as well as the challenges users face in interpreting this complex dataset.

The conversation also touches on the upcoming Breakbulk conference, highlighting key topics that industry professionals are grappling with today. Tune in to discover how data-driven insights can inform strategic decision-making in an ever-evolving trade landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Learn more about the Breakbulk conference
• International Trade and Tariffs Insights & News
• Tariff FAQs

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Brendan Neary
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages in an insightful discussion with S&P Global Market Intelligence experts Shuchita Shukla and Dijedon Imeri about the implications of potential U.S. tariffs on the European Union's economy.

Recorded shortly after significant tariff announcements by the US government, the episode delves into how these measures could reshape trade dynamics, impact growth forecasts, and influence the EU's decision-making process. The conversation also explores historical context, comparing current challenges to past trade disputes during President Donald Trump's first administration, and highlights the varying vulnerabilities of EU member states.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the potential retaliatory strategies the EU might employ, the broader economic ramifications of heightened trade tensions, and the future of European integration in light of these developments. Tune in for a rich analysis of the intersection between global trade and the European economy.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• International Trade and Tariffs Insights & News
• Tariff FAQs
• Power plays: Themes for 2025

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Shuchita Shukla, Dijedon Imeri
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

The episode of The Decisive, taken from a March 20 webinar, features insights from experts including Ken Wattret, Ben Herzon, Arlene Kish, Nicolas Suarez, Timo Klein, and Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch. The panel of economists discusses evolving economic and trade policies and their implications across various regions.

Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current economic policies in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, the European Union, China and India, particularly the impact of tariffs on GDP growth, inflation and monetary policy.

Our experts explore the interconnectedness of global economies, the risks posed by trade uncertainties, and the strategic responses from various nations, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in understanding the current macroeconomic environment.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global economic outlook: March 2025
• Power plays: Themes for 2025
• Economic Dynamics 2025: 10 Key Trends and Forecasts

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Ken Wattret, Ben Herzon, Arlene Kish, Nicolas Suarez, Timo Klein, Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Kristen Hallam
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun