Trade at a Crossroads: Realignment and Resilience

Former Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis and Nextrade Group CEO Dr. Kati Suominen join Todd Fox to explore how global trade is being reshaped by fragmentation—and what it means for businesses navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
07/02/2026
Cover image of Policy Sandbox, Episode 7: Trade at a Crossroads.

EPISODE NOTES

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.


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About Visa Economic Empowerment Institute

Visa Economic Empowerment Institute addresses global issues affecting digital equity and inclusion, trade and commerce.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa makes no warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information discussed and assumes no liability for reliance on this content. This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or investment advice. All brand names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Visa.