David Henig
@davidheniguk.bsky.social
Trade wonk, Brexit bore, globalisation defender, music lover, cricketer, gardener, supporter of mediocre football teams, who knows where the time goes?
Pinned
David Henig
@davidheniguk.bsky.social
· Oct 15
The New World of Trade – How 40 Years of Change Brought Globalisation Without Trust
Making sense of daily trade policy turbulence has become a major challenge. President Trump is just one part of a complex ever-changing picture.Stop the world to catch up is an understandable respons
ecipe.org
"How 40 years of change brought globalisation without trust" - my latest long read (based on a talk given this morning) seems immediately relevant given further US-China tensions over global supply chains.
Global markets are a reality --->
ecipe.org/blog/the-new...
Global markets are a reality --->
ecipe.org/blog/the-new...
The new style trade agreement. Unclear to me at this point what the specifics mean, but best get used to this new world of inter dependencies, managed trade, and deals involving benefits for specific countries.
NEW: US agrees UK pharma deal - US guarantees exemption from tariffs for duration of Trump presidency.
But
-UK agrees a reduction in the drugs rebate payment system to 15% (EU countries are less than 10%)
- NHS agrees to pay 25% more on new innovative drugs
Thoughts?
www.ustr.gov/about/policy...
But
-UK agrees a reduction in the drugs rebate payment system to 15% (EU countries are less than 10%)
- NHS agrees to pay 25% more on new innovative drugs
Thoughts?
www.ustr.gov/about/policy...
U.S. Government Announces Agreement in Principle with the United Kingdom on Pharmaceutical Pricing
WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statements announcing an agre...
www.ustr.gov
December 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The new style trade agreement. Unclear to me at this point what the specifics mean, but best get used to this new world of inter dependencies, managed trade, and deals involving benefits for specific countries.
Bonus points for working out how the end of de minimis will affect Northern Ireland
December 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Bonus points for working out how the end of de minimis will affect Northern Ireland
Reposted by David Henig
This is a well-informed and clearly framed reminder that the UK will not find it easy to negotiate a reset with the EU on its own terms.
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Everything Brussels really thinks about the UK
Mostly, the Brussels bubble does not consider the UK too much. That rather amorphous group of those working in and around the institutions whether for government or other organisations, that…
encompass-europe.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:59 PM
This is a well-informed and clearly framed reminder that the UK will not find it easy to negotiate a reset with the EU on its own terms.
Reposted by David Henig
"There is wider exasperation that the UK political system doesn’t really understand Brussels, possibly never did, and under-estimates the problems that then arise in negotiations."
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Everything Brussels really thinks about the UK
Mostly, the Brussels bubble does not consider the UK too much. That rather amorphous group of those working in and around the institutions whether for government or other organisations, that…
encompass-europe.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:52 AM
"There is wider exasperation that the UK political system doesn’t really understand Brussels, possibly never did, and under-estimates the problems that then arise in negotiations."
The same old tropes... deregulation, more trade with partners starting with the EU... and no real substance behind them. Or real sign of understanding the big economic picture.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There are those on the left and right who offer only grievance: Labour is getting on with the job of economic renewal | Keir Starmer
Judge last week’s budget in the light of our bold plans to sweep away red tape, tackle inactivity among young people and pursue a closer trading relationship with the EU, says prime minister Keir Star...
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:44 AM
The same old tropes... deregulation, more trade with partners starting with the EU... and no real substance behind them. Or real sign of understanding the big economic picture.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by David Henig
Essential from @davidheniguk.bsky.social I think it is crucial for future relations that the UK side better understands the duality of genuine idealism and naked self-interest that drives both EU relatiions with the outside world and relations among EU Member States + Institutions.
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Everything Brussels really thinks about the UK
Mostly, the Brussels bubble does not consider the UK too much. That rather amorphous group of those working in and around the institutions whether for government or other organisations, that…
encompass-europe.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Essential from @davidheniguk.bsky.social I think it is crucial for future relations that the UK side better understands the duality of genuine idealism and naked self-interest that drives both EU relatiions with the outside world and relations among EU Member States + Institutions.
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Everything Brussels really thinks about the UK
Mostly, the Brussels bubble does not consider the UK too much. That rather amorphous group of those working in and around the institutions whether for government or other organisations, that…
encompass-europe.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Well, I gather from a perusal of the media that everyone is unhappy that they are paying too much and not getting enough as a result of the Budget
November 30, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Well, I gather from a perusal of the media that everyone is unhappy that they are paying too much and not getting enough as a result of the Budget
I'm not sure a squeezed middle isn't an almost inevitable consequence of demographics. There are 13 million pensioners in the UK. Compared to 25 million full time workers. Do the maths, it won't be pretty however you cut it.
Latest from me: on the budget, Labour's troubles, & the government's increasingly tense & distant relationship with the UK's squeezed middle www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The ‘squeezed middle’ is back – and this time it could be Labour’s undoing | John Harris
Last week’s budget left middle-income families anxious and angry. The party is turning its back on voters it can little afford to lose, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I'm not sure a squeezed middle isn't an almost inevitable consequence of demographics. There are 13 million pensioners in the UK. Compared to 25 million full time workers. Do the maths, it won't be pretty however you cut it.
1970s style football plus VAR with more fouls than shots isn't actually the most exciting viewing.
November 30, 2025 at 5:13 PM
1970s style football plus VAR with more fouls than shots isn't actually the most exciting viewing.
Just mucking around with some stats on the internet and found the stability of UK labour force participation remarkable given all the discussions / panics over many years www.ons.gov.uk/employmentan...
November 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Just mucking around with some stats on the internet and found the stability of UK labour force participation remarkable given all the discussions / panics over many years www.ons.gov.uk/employmentan...
UK politics just completely losing the plot. Labour's pre-budget briefing was inept but if that was a crime more or less every minister for the last 15 years would be causing more trouble for overcrowded prisons.
Similarly OBR's mistake in early publishing was a nothing-burger.
Similarly OBR's mistake in early publishing was a nothing-burger.
November 30, 2025 at 10:54 AM
UK politics just completely losing the plot. Labour's pre-budget briefing was inept but if that was a crime more or less every minister for the last 15 years would be causing more trouble for overcrowded prisons.
Similarly OBR's mistake in early publishing was a nothing-burger.
Similarly OBR's mistake in early publishing was a nothing-burger.
Dangerous socialist or hitting one of the biggest problems with modern economies, that life is just getting too hard for small businesses and that saps energy from the market? Feels like EU and UK policy makers should be taking notice rather than the same old tired talk.
Soon small businesses won’t have to wait for Small Business Saturday to get attention from their Mayor.
Some changes that they can look forward to:
Some changes that they can look forward to:
November 30, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Dangerous socialist or hitting one of the biggest problems with modern economies, that life is just getting too hard for small businesses and that saps energy from the market? Feels like EU and UK policy makers should be taking notice rather than the same old tired talk.
Let's hear it for the unashamedly selfish elderly who really don't care about the nation's finances as long as they don't pay a penny extra.
November 28, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Let's hear it for the unashamedly selfish elderly who really don't care about the nation's finances as long as they don't pay a penny extra.
There is a distinct lack of public voices making the case for the UK and EU working together, and far too many finding fault with something or other. Which at a point when Europe collectively is struggling isn't a good sign.
Must read from
@pimlicat.bsky.social
Pro Europeans on both side of the channel need to redouble our efforts to compromise, co-operate and forge stronger partnerships.
Even more important at a moment when Ukraine's sovereign future hangs in the balance.
www.bestforbritain.org/uk_access_to...
@pimlicat.bsky.social
Pro Europeans on both side of the channel need to redouble our efforts to compromise, co-operate and forge stronger partnerships.
Even more important at a moment when Ukraine's sovereign future hangs in the balance.
www.bestforbritain.org/uk_access_to...
UK access to SAFE vital to deter tyrant on our doorstep
The UK's access to Europe's SAFE defence fund is vital to deter "the tyrant on our doorstep", campaigners have stressed, following reports that negotiations over Britain joining the €150 billion fund ...
www.bestforbritain.org
November 28, 2025 at 7:06 PM
There is a distinct lack of public voices making the case for the UK and EU working together, and far too many finding fault with something or other. Which at a point when Europe collectively is struggling isn't a good sign.
Macron's tough talk on the many issues - but in particular international economic relations - where other Member States do not agree with France is proving hugely divisive in the EU. www.politico.eu/article/brus...
Macron says Brussels is ‘afraid’ of tackling US Big Tech
An “American offensive” has cowed the European Commission and some EU capitals, French president complains.
www.politico.eu
November 28, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Macron's tough talk on the many issues - but in particular international economic relations - where other Member States do not agree with France is proving hugely divisive in the EU. www.politico.eu/article/brus...
Just looking at a particular phone and noticed the highest spec model was only available in China, and better start getting used to such things.
November 28, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Just looking at a particular phone and noticed the highest spec model was only available in China, and better start getting used to such things.
Has anyone not sent me their Black Friday special offers yet?
November 28, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Has anyone not sent me their Black Friday special offers yet?
Straws in the wind that Trump's tariff threats have peaked? Brazil were able to withstand threats given a globally competitive agricultural sector and seem to have won. www.ft.com/content/0526...
Brazil offers lesson in winning the ‘Taco’ trade
Global politicians need to understand that White House policy is driven by melodrama and instinct
www.ft.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Straws in the wind that Trump's tariff threats have peaked? Brazil were able to withstand threats given a globally competitive agricultural sector and seem to have won. www.ft.com/content/0526...
Why are you all spending your time looking through property websites to find the most vulgar places? And how do I monetise this?
November 28, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Why are you all spending your time looking through property websites to find the most vulgar places? And how do I monetise this?
Not always a fan of Dani Rodrik's writing but this on the response to China's rise seems right - protect national security, focus on innovation not protection of established industries, and target job efforts on services.
Few governments are doing this. www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/c...
Few governments are doing this. www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/c...
How to Respond to Chinese Imports
Dani Rodrik explains what governments should be doing to address the risks to national security, innovation, and jobs.
www.project-syndicate.org
November 28, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Not always a fan of Dani Rodrik's writing but this on the response to China's rise seems right - protect national security, focus on innovation not protection of established industries, and target job efforts on services.
Few governments are doing this. www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/c...
Few governments are doing this. www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/c...
Reposted by David Henig
BBC News is also a good example. Historically technocratic, sees the world is changing, attempts to compensate through bothsidesism (effectively procedural populism), fails to please anyone and in so doing compromises its essential quality (technocracy).
Combine those various factors and you get the current Labour government and its weird mix of economic and social policies and at the same time its apparent inability to make progress / do better.
November 28, 2025 at 8:29 AM
BBC News is also a good example. Historically technocratic, sees the world is changing, attempts to compensate through bothsidesism (effectively procedural populism), fails to please anyone and in so doing compromises its essential quality (technocracy).
One major facet of the modern economy - the way large companies blackmail governments. "You need us and the growth we [don't particularly] bring - so agree what we want or else".
Few governments have a good answer for such accusations. www.ft.com/content/d958...
Few governments have a good answer for such accusations. www.ft.com/content/d958...
Getty warns over UK operations if Shutterstock deal is blocked
CEO says competition watchdog is overlooking how quickly AI is reshaping image generation
www.ft.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:58 AM
One major facet of the modern economy - the way large companies blackmail governments. "You need us and the growth we [don't particularly] bring - so agree what we want or else".
Few governments have a good answer for such accusations. www.ft.com/content/d958...
Few governments have a good answer for such accusations. www.ft.com/content/d958...
UK-EU talks latest - on SAFE participation negotiators might have found a workable approach. Odd one, where neither side had a particularly refined objective beyond balancing participation and money, a particular problem for an EU needing Member State agreement. www.politico.eu/article/uk-e...
UK and EU explore ‘pay as you go’ model to break defense talks deadlock
The two sides are hoping to strike a deal on access to SAFE procurements by Sunday.
www.politico.eu
November 28, 2025 at 8:35 AM
UK-EU talks latest - on SAFE participation negotiators might have found a workable approach. Odd one, where neither side had a particularly refined objective beyond balancing participation and money, a particular problem for an EU needing Member State agreement. www.politico.eu/article/uk-e...
Increasingly obvious yet usually badly discussed. The 1960s / 70s was the ending of the post-war European industrial growth era, 2010s the breakdown of its free market replacement together with the fraying of 1940s rules indirectly by 21st century technology.
I really do think you can see 2008-2025 as a period of rupture in the same sort of way as the 1960s and early 70s. A period of rupture characterised by the disruption of globalism (financial crisis etc) combined with political populism (ostensibly anti elites) and distrust in government (eg Covid).
November 28, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Increasingly obvious yet usually badly discussed. The 1960s / 70s was the ending of the post-war European industrial growth era, 2010s the breakdown of its free market replacement together with the fraying of 1940s rules indirectly by 21st century technology.