Trade and globalization are here to stay. The share of global GDP due to trade, imports plus exports, has grown from 25 percent of global GDP in the mid-1960s to 60 percent today. The share of U.S. GDP due to trade over that same time period has grown from 10 percent to 30 percent. Contrary to the narrative put forward by some, today’s shifts in trade policy have largely not been driven by “good deals” and “bad deals” but on very real and conflicting economic forces. Facile references to “free trade” increasingly have little to do with economic reality. Our nation’s attitudes toward trade have been shaped by the evolving struggle over who has been helped and who has been disadvantaged by trade policy as our economy has developed.

The government of Mexico's Baja California state is drafting a list of infrastructure projects, some of which are already underway, that are intended to enhance cross-border integration and boost the state's competitiveness. Some of the projects were discussed during a meeting earlier this week between the state's economic development minister, Carlo Bonfante, and Mexican embassy officials in Washington DC, as part of the plenary meeting of the Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group, which took place in the US capital.

Mexico praised US President Donald Trump's action to initiate the renegotiation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) with the formal declaration of the administration's intentions to the US legislature. The action, carried out through the office of US trade representative Robert Lighthizer, starts the clock on a 90-day period of consultations with the public and legislators, making it possible for the formal renegotiation process to begin August 16.

The Smart Border Coalition held a Stakeholders Working Committee meeting on Thursday, May 11, at the San Diego Foundation to discuss their goals to improve the United States and Mexico border. Executive Director of the Smart Border Coalition Gustavo De La Fuente, presented the SBC report that included their goals to improve border wait times, access to roads, cargo pre-clearance, and many more prospective improvements.

The Aerospace Arizona Association led a delegation of aerospace industry and advocacy leaders on a 2 day mission to Tijuana. Several notable meetings with the Tijuana Mayor and his cabinet, the Tijuana Economic Development Council and local Mexico Shelter Companies provided unique insight into potential partnership opportunities between the two regions. In particular, during a visit to one of the leading Shelter Company in Tijuana, Co-Production International (CPI), the Arizona delegation was able to witness the operation of a premiere Administrative Services provider.

PITTSBURGH — Additive manufacturing is both growing and coping with growing pains. Companies “have to find ways to streamline” polishing and other finishing processes of 3D printed parts, industry consultant Terry Wohlers said today during a speech at RAPID + TCT. Such processes need more automation to improve the business case for additive manufacturing, he said. What’s more, Wohlers said the role of hybrid machines need to be sorted out. Such machines combine 3D printing and traditional cutting processes. Hybrid machines make sense for repairing parts, he said. But “a lot of problems need to be solved,” including software, before they can produce new parts in bulk, he said. Finally, the additive landscape is being altered as large companies become involved.