On the afternoon of August 16, 2024, the Global Value Chain Research Institute of the University of International Business and Economics held an academic lecture in Qiusuo 719 Conference Room, delivered by Professor Robert Koopman from American University. The topic was "A Brief History of U.S. Trade Policy - Evolution and Adaptation." Executive Dean Siyan Shen hosted the lecture, which was attended by teachers and students from various departments across the university.

This lecture followed an internal academic discussion on the Economics of National Security led by Professor Koopman on the afternoon of the 13th.

Firstly, Executive Dean Siyan Shen delivered a welcome speech, briefly introducing Professor Koopman's research directions and academic contributions, and extending a warm welcome to Professor Koopman.

Subsequently, Professor Koopman analyzed the three major stages of U.S. trade policy and the reasons for transitions between these stages, integrating the historical and political development of the United States since its colonial period. The first period, from the establishment of the federal government to the Civil War, primarily aimed to serve fiscal revenue through trade policies. The Civil War disrupted the existing political balance in the United States, with the Northern faction advocating for protective tariffs emerging victorious. The second period, from the Civil War to the Great Depression, prioritized protecting domestic producers through trade policies. The political power shifted to the Democrats, who favored low tariffs, following the 1932 elections during the late stages of the Great Depression. The third period, from the Great Depression to the present day, has reciprocity as the main goal of trade policies, aiming to open foreign markets for U.S. exports.

Specifically, from 1933 to 1993, the Democratic Party dominated U.S. politics, ensuring that trade agreements aimed at reciprocity could lower and maintain low tariffs. During this 60-year period, there were 30 Congresses, 16 unified governments (15 Democratic and 1 Republican), and 14 divided governments. Even during the two years when Republicans controlled the government from 1953 to 1955, the core objective of seeking reciprocal trade agreements remained largely unchanged. Since 1993, divided governments have become more frequent, but presidents have generally supported maintaining the status quo or further reducing trade barriers. Donald Trump was the first president since 1930 who seemed intent on raising import tariffs and restrictions rather than lowering them through trade agreements.

Professor Koopman said that given the political structure of the U.S. economy, U.S. trade policy has evolved and adapted in response to changing international environments and domestic forces. The world has been changing, and so has U.S. trade policy - adjustments that do not always follow economic theories but reflect changing domestic and international political and economic conditions. Despite economists' belief that a broadly open and free global trading system is most conducive to economic growth, the reality in the United States, and indeed globally, is that progress toward global free trade has stalled since the Uruguay Round.

During the Q&A session, Professor Koopman engaged in lively discussions with teachers and students on the new developments in recent international economic developments.

At the end of the lecture, Dean Xiaopeng Yin once again welcomed and thanked Professor Koopman for his visit and the rich content of his China trip.