Barriers Quote by Michael Spence
“On their own, tariff and trade barriers, if viewed as transitory negotiating tactics, will not significantly change global investment patterns or the structure of global supply chains and employment.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Forum, 2023
Tariff and trade barriers are temporary tactics that won’t reshape global investment or supply chains significantly.
In simple terms: Barriers are short‑term and won’t change big economic patterns.
Don’t overestimate short‑term trade measures.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- corporate strategy
- policy analysis
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How might temporary trade measures affect emerging markets?
- What alternatives exist to protect domestic employment?
Barriers may still cause short‑term disruptions for specific industries.