Category Archives: Global Business
President Trump: please cut deal for soybean exports to China

The new numbers on our trade imbalance with China hit an all-time high of $419 billion in 2018, up from $347 billion in 2016 before President Trump took office on 2017. That rise comes despite his two-year trade war with … Read the rest
Trump must think win-win on trade

“Please, President Trump, don’t throw me in that briar patch.” That’s the reaction of Serigraph and other American suppliers that operate primarily in the United States as they contemplate his proposed construction of a wall -- a tariff wall -- … Read the rest
Making lemonade from Trump’s lemons

Out of the chaotic stew that makes up Donald Trump’s grey matter, there is hope for change from the status quo to better policies for the country. For example, it is a good thing that our next president is concerned … Read the rest
Simplistic trade debate cuts many ways

ASHLAND – If you live and work in this Lake Superior community of 9,000, where Bretting Manufacturing is the largest employer, the proposed clamp-down on foreign trade by both presidential candidates comes off as crazy. Bretting is the ultimate advanced … Read the rest
Lessons from Poland: prosperity, intolerance

Kashubia, Poland – A week-long visit to Poland, including this region where my mother’s people came from, made it abundantly clear why the Bambeneks and two million other Poles uprooted their families in the decades before World War I to … Read the rest
We’ll take the Ashley jobs trade-off any time

More on the gubernatorial out-sourcing brouhaha: The Republican attacks on Mary Burke over the offshoring of jobs aren't just about Mary Burke. There is no issue if Trek weren’t compelled to produce bicycles in China, Vietnam and other counties to … Read the rest
Cross-fire over out-sourcing too shallow

Isn’t it strange when a pro-business Republican governor finds it advantageous to bash an entrepreneurial company with 1000 jobs in Wisconsin to put the hurt on his opponent? It is equally strange to hear his Democratic opponent, a former international … Read the rest
Manufacturing layoffs result in skills shortage

My brother Tom, a former journalist and businessman, may have put his finger on part of the problem with matching skilled workers and jobs. Here's what he says: Manufacturers keep sending out stories about how they cannot find qualified workers, … Read the rest
Entrepreneurs must lead global jobs war

Jim Clifton, CEO of Gallup, has two major recommendations for keeping America on top of the world for GDP growth and job creation: entrepreneurship and youth internships. Speaking to U.S. governors of both parties recently, he used his 30 years … Read the rest
An oracular solution to China trade imbalance

President Obama was quick to use Warren Buffet’s ideas and credibility when the issue was taxation of billionaires. (Buffet wants to pay more.) Our leader, who is not well versed in the world of commerce, should consult the oracle of … Read the rest