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The article discusses a shift in power from the Treasury Department to the Commerce Department in the current era of economic nationalism. This shift is attributed to the rise of neomercantilism and a changing trend in world economics over the past decade. The Commerce Secretary now holds significant power in shaping economic policies, particularly in areas such as tariffs, export controls, and industrial policy. The article highlights the evolving roles of the Treasury and Commerce Secretaries under the Trump administration and emphasizes the increasing importance of the Commerce Secretary in implementing policies that impact economic growth and financial markets. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses President-elect Donald Trump's support for the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) during a strike over automation at ports. Trump's alignment with the ILA, despite their resistance to automation, has raised concerns about his commitment to all workers. The ILA's stance against automation, while aiming to protect jobs, may have negative implications for consumers and industries reliant on efficient port operations. The upcoming expiration of the port contract and the ILA's potential to disrupt commerce further highlight the complex dynamics at play in this labor dispute. [Extracted from the article]

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which was passed in 1996, is now being criticized for allowing Big Tech companies to evade responsibility for harmful content on their platforms. Lawmakers argue that these companies are profiting from children and failing to protect them from predators, drug dealers, and cyberbullies. They also claim that Section 230 gives tech firms unlimited immunity from legal consequences, allowing them to operate without transparency or accountability. In response, bipartisan draft legislation has been proposed to sunset Section 230 and require Big Tech to work with Congress to create a new legal framework that promotes free speech and innovation while ensuring safety and accountability. The proposal aims to hold social media companies accountable for failing to protect children and level the playing field between Big Tech and other industries. Critics argue that reforming Section 230 will not harm free speech, as the First Amendment provides the basis for free speech protections in the US. The proposed changes seek to empower those who have been exploited on social media platforms and create a solution that balances accountability, innovation, and free speech in the digital age. [Extracted from the article]

Editorial. Comments on United States President Bill Clinton's aggressive lobbying for Congress to accord China Permanent Normal Trade Relations. Legacies of Clinton; Democratic Party's move towards liberal traditionalism.

Reports on a United States Trade Representative Office report on trade barriers which encouraged China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Report on some major US trading partners; Endorsement of a trade pact with China.

Reports on the failure of the European Union to win more trade concessions from China at the end of EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy's talks with China over its entry into the World Trade Organization. Possible setback to China's efforts to enter the WTO; Sticking points in the negotiations.

Informs that Brazil and Mexico are expected to come to terms on a bilateral trade agreement for the auto industry in mid-April 2000.

Reports on the decrease in raw-steel production of the United States in the week ending March 13, 1999. Percentage decline of raw-steel production; Estimated capacity of raw-steel consumed by the market.

Reports on the proposal offered by Japan's trade minister, Ryutaro Hashimoto to settle the automotive trade dispute between Japan and the United States. Inclusion of a plan that match up Japanese auto dealers with foreign car makers on the proposal; United States' threats of trade sanctions against Japan; Risks of the trade-law provision Super 301.

Reports that Japanese Minister of International Trade and Industry Ryutaro Hashimoto will meet with United States counterparts to reach a trade agreement between the two countries. US government's threats of trade sanctions against Japan if the two countries fail to reach a trade agreement by the set deadline; Negative impact of failure to reach a trade accord on the financial markets of the two countries.