In the latest episode of the Friday Exchange, our trade insiders bring the heat! This week’s episode goes beyond a recap, it’s a full-on debate about the future of U.S. trade policy. Is Washington playing a high-stakes game to rebuild supply chains and outmaneuver non-market economies, or is it simply overplaying its hand?

We also explore the ripple effects: smaller companies feeling pressure, investors weighing uncertainty, and the challenge of navigating overlapping tariffs and evolving policies. At the same time, we look at pockets of progress from targeted negotiations and efforts to strengthen domestic capacity and supply chain resilience.

In a trade environment defined by uncertainty, urgency, and high political stakes, one question looms large: Is this strategy worth the cost?

Featured Speakers:

Introduction: Kenneth Levinson, CEO, WITA – The International Trade Association

Blake Harden, Managing Director, Washington Council Ernst & Young; former Trade Counsel on the House Ways & Means Committee; and a former Senior Attorney in the Office of the Chief Counsel at US Customs and Border Protection

Daniel Mullaney, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East

Chris Padilla, Senior Advisor, Brunswick Group; former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

Stephen Vaughn, Partner, International Trade, King & Spalding LLP; former General Counsel at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in first Trump Administration, where he worked closely with the current USTR Jamieson Greer