Globalization is Alive and Well: An Analysis of Record Trade Last Year in the U.S. and Around the Globe

Globalization has been a subject of intense debate over the years. While some experts argue that it has brought unprecedented benefits to the world, others claim that it has led to an increase in inequality, unemployment, and environmental degradation. Despite these concerns, it is evident that globalization is still very much alive and well. In fact, the US had record exports to 73 countries last year and record imports from 90 nations, according to Commerce Department data. Moreover, trade in goods between the US and China climbed to a new record of $690.6 billion in 2022.

It is worth noting that these records were achieved in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s war with Ukraine, and supply chain breakdowns. These events have caused many policymakers, especially in the United States, to re-evaluate their governments’ approach to trade. However, the data suggest that trade between nations is still extremely strong.

Despite the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, which has resulted in tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods, trade between the two countries is still robust. According to William Reinsch, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former top Commerce official in the Clinton administration, “At the market level, we’re still doing a lot of business, despite the efforts of both governments. The macro relationship hasn’t changed that much; we’re still trading a lot.”

However, it is important to note that the fluctuations witnessed in the global trading system over the past few years are not likely to go away anytime soon. Maersk, a bellwether for global trade, recently warned that “muted” economic growth could push the world’s container shipping volumes down by as much as 2.5% this year. The company attributed this decline to the overconsumption of goods, which has led to a sharp correction in demand.

Aside from the challenges facing the global supply chain, logistics companies like Maersk are adapting to the situation. Maersk is planning a radical restructuring that aims to integrate its logistics operations in a way that connects land, sea, and air transportation.

This approach, which is referred to as “re-globalization,” prioritizes deeper, more diversified, and deconcentrated international markets. The goal is to increase agility and resilience in times of volatility, which will help restore reliability to a battered supply-chain ecosystem.

With a more interconnected world than ever before, globalization is key to the growth of economies. Even with conflict, a global pandemic, and supply chain challenges the world seems to find a way to continue to work together. Additionally, globalization and trade foster innovation, cultural exchange, and cooperation among nations, which can lead to improved diplomatic relations and hopefully, peace.