August 27, 2022

TLPC First Paper ‘Weaponised Trade: Mapping the Issues in Australia’ Available Now

In June, the team got together for the first time in person at the University of Wollongong campus in Sydney CBD to finalise and piece together our first paper: “Weaponised Trade: Mapping the Issues in Australia”. We are pleased to report that it is now out and available to read! Access online: “Weaponised Trade: Mapping the Issues in Australia”.. 

We identify and comprehensively map the issues associated with Weaponised Trade. As the international trading system is under increasing pressure from the rise of Weaponised Trade, it is important to understand what Weaponised Trade is and how to best develop effective strategies to limit the negative consequences of it.  

In our paper, we separate our analysis of Weaponised Trade into three sections. In “Section 1: Understanding Weaponised Trade”, we define Weaponised Trade and classify the various trade measures that may fall under its scope. We then outline where Weaponised Trade falls within the broader context of economic statecraft and factors that make Weaponised Trade difficult to contextualise. We follow with a clarification of the legal issues associated with Weaponised Trade, and analyse it within the context of grey zone warfare. 

In “Section 2: The Growing Problem of Weaponised Trade”, we attempt to identify some perspectives as to the recent increase in incidence of Weaponised Trade and provide some key examples and data points to demonstrate how it has become an increasing issue.  

In “Section 3: Responding to Weaponised Trade”, we identify and discuss various options that countries have to respond to Weaponised Trade, such as the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement pathway.  

The next stage of our project will collect quantitative and qualitative data and a Delphi process of research to formulate key recommendations for policymakers in Australia. This data will inform our final report and briefings. 

We welcome comments, feedback and expressions of interest to participate in the project by emailing weaponised-trade@uow.edu.au. Alternatively, stay connected to and follow our project on Twitter by following @weaponisedtrade.