2020 VISION

Vision 2020: Trade peace still a distance away

Trade tensions are set to linger but there are glimmers of hope. Trust within societies is fraying and identity politics surging, but not without a challenge. Technology is making a difference to many, and climate change is getting closer attention. Insight explores these issues and how they might play out this year.

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As we enter 2020, we need to brace ourselves for another year of trade tensions. The United States and China are enjoying a truce, but the chances are this will be temporary.

Any trade disputes between the two - and there is a long list - will need to be sorted out bilaterally, because the body that normally handles such disputes, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been marginalised, which is another problem.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 05, 2020, with the headline Vision 2020: Trade peace still a distance away. Subscribe