Reason, reality and the future of trade

Transcript of an impassioned speech by UPS chief executive David Abney in defence of free trade and the international agreements that make it possible. As Mr Abney says, the whole concept of international trade is getting something of kicking these days, as presidential hopefuls in the US line up to denigrate its achievements and promise to return manufacturing jobs to the country. “Reality says we must think and act beyond the rhetoric of protectionism and fear,” Mr Abney responds, citing the example of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, “crafted with digital trade in mind”, which he argues would have a huge impact on global trading levels.