Geopolitical tensions drive use of export controls and trade barriers

Global trade is increasingly being shaped by geopolitical tensions and the strategic use of export controls. Major powers, including the United States, China, and the European Union, are utilizing controls on dual-use goods—products with both civilian and military applications—as strategic tools to safeguard national security and maintain technological leadership.

In the context of trade disputes, there is a growing trend of using international agendas, such as human rights and labor standards, to justify commercial barriers. For instance, the United States has cited concerns regarding slave-like labor conditions in Brazil to justify increased tariffs on Brazilian products. Critics argue that while combating labor exploitation is a vital international goal, using it selectively to create unfair competitive advantages or respond to geopolitical interests can undermine the credibility of the causes themselves.

While multilateral regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Nuclear Suppliers Group provide international guidelines for export controls, these standards are not legally binding. This allows states significant flexibility to implement controls in ways that serve their specific economic and security objectives.