Tag: global trade

• Canada’s variable geometry map

  

  Here is an interesting map that tracks every important agreement Canada has signed (or is expected to sign) with other countries since March 2025. It is called the Variable Geometry Map, which is in direct response to what Prime Minister Carney outlined in his Davos speech at the beginning of the year: “To help solve global problems, we are pursuing variable geometry. In other words, different coalitions for different issues, based on common values and interests.”

  The agreements are bucketed into five deal types: strategic partnership, economic, security, resources, and technology. They’re all listed in this Google Sheet if you’d like to do an audit. All in all, there are 119 agreements (82 of which have already been signed), spanning 31 countries if you exclude the United States. I like this strategy at a high level, but of course, signing agreements is only one thing. The proof will be in what these ultimately do for Canada.

  2026.08.31

• Making giant ships

  This is an interesting New York Times photo essay about “how giant ships are built.” I wasn’t aware of some of these statistics, and maybe the same goes for you:

  • 90% of all traded goods are carried on ships
  • 90% of global shipbuilding happens in just three countries: China, South Korea, and Japan
  • There are 124 remaining and active shipyards in the United States, all supported by federal government contracts and the Jones Act, which requires that people and goods moving between American ports is done on ships that are owned/operated by US citizens and that were built domestically
  • US shipyards are believed to contribute about $37 billion in annual economic output and to support about 400,000 jobs
  • 88% of all food in the state of Hawaii is shipped in by boat — it is disproportionately reliant on trade (makes sense)

  2020.06.20