Free trade is no longer risk-free in new world of de-globalisation
We can’t pretend national security risks and the need to reduce our carbon emissions don’t exist. But nor can this small, open economy give up on the free flow of goods, services, capital, technology, ideas, payments and people.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has said he will consider policy options to shield local manufacturers from competitors that have weak or non-existent decarbonisation polices.
Over the past few weeks, China has announced export controls on gallium and germanium – the rare metals used in semiconductors, solar panels and electric vehicles. The US has imposed limits on investment in China related to military and surveillance technology.
