Tariffs and threats of tariff increases – most recently in connection with the Greenland crisis – have featured prominently in the public debate. However, economic research shows that trade barriers are far more complex than tariffs alone. They include everything from regulatory differences, technical standards, legislative and subsidy‑based discrimination, quotas, and cultural and linguistic differences – and, increasingly, political and commercial uncertainty.

The current uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff rates functions as an invisible trade barrier and may cost Danish firms access to the American market.

This is the topic of an op‑ed in Finans written by CEFAU Centre Director Professor Phillip Schröder and Senior Analyst Tine Jeppesen. They point out, among other things, that there is significant potential for increased trade – both within and beyond Europe – if policymakers work to dismantle barriers. They further argue in favour of export promotion initiatives such as export credit guarantees, which can support Danish exporters in a world where uncertainty has become the norm.

Read more here.