Article contentThe most serious problem for Canada on trade in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the world is turning inwards and becoming a hotbed for protectionism. The U.S. is reluctant to lead on the pandemic or on most issues requiring international co-operation. Instead, major powers are competing aggressively for power, leaving middle powers like Canada dependent on multilateral institutions that lack clear leadership and the will to work together. Due to the pandemic, global trade has already seen employment, production, prices and supply chains sharply disrupted. The virus has also ushered in a new public health rationale for constraints on trade under the guise of national security.

Source: National Post July 14, 2020 20:37 UTC