The Green Transition, Customs Fraud & Why Tariffs Might Save the WTO (sort of)

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Trade Splaining, we unpack the latest twists in the Green Transition—spoiler alert: China’s winning. We also explore how chaos is reshaping global trade, why Manchester United’s new stadium might cost a fortune (hint: tariffs), and the Swiss government's crackdown on... cheap meat?

Our guest, Professor Joost Pauwelyn, joins us to break down 21st-century customs fraud, how trade rules are shifting, and why the WTO may actually survive this era of economic uncertainty.

If you’ve ever wondered how renewable energy, geopolitics, and tariffs intersect—or whether you should still care about composting—this episode is for you.

🔹 In This Episode:

• China’s dominance in the Green Transition and why Europe is struggling to keep up
• The hidden cost of Manchester United’s new stadium—tariffs, steel prices, and trade wars
• Switzerland’s unexpected role as the world's top container trader
• What’s happening with customs fraud, sustainability standards, and the rise of "trade surveillance"
• The future of WTO, and why reciprocal tariffs might actually save it
• And, of course, a deep dive into Geneva’s most pressing issue—affordable meat

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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