In this episode of Policy Sandbox, VEEI President Todd Fox sits down with Demetrios Marantis, former Acting U.S. Trade Representative, to discuss how global trade is entering a period of realignment driven by geopolitical shifts, evolving policy priorities, and economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how governments and institutions are balancing resilience with openness, and how supply chains, trade flows, and investment patterns are adapting in response. To ground the conversation in real-world impact, Dr. Kati Suominen, Founder and CEO of Nextrade Group, shares insights on how small and medium-sized businesses experience these shifts firsthand. From regulatory fragmentation to barriers in cross-border commerce, she highlights the importance of digital tools and policy design in enabling “micro-multinationals” to compete globally. Together, the discussion underscores the critical role of trade policy, digital infrastructure, and cross-border payments in shaping a more resilient and inclusive global economy.

 158