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The Suez Canal is a 120-mile waterway dug in the Isthmus of Suez, between Africa and Asia, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. When it was built in 1869, the Suez Canal cut the travel time for ships bringing goods around the world, and global trade increased. Over the years the canal has been the site of conflict between powerful nations, and occasional disaster. Recently, a giant container ship got stuck in the canal and jammed water traffic for six days. Listen to learn more about the history and importance of the Suez Canal and why experts say accidents there are likely to recur.
Story Length: 4:08
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March 24, 2021
3:25
The International Space Station is a large spacecraft and science lab orbiting Earth. The astronauts who live and work there temporarily sometimes miss the foods and other conveniences they enjoyed at home, but there is nowhere to buy them. Instead, they often trade, or barter, with fellow astronauts for the things they want. With astronauts from different countries with various skills and preferences, there are plenty of opportunities to trade. Listen to hear about a lively barter economy in space, and learn what the astronauts all agree should never be traded.
Read MoreJune 25, 2018
4:40
President Trump recently decided that the U.S. would charge tariffs (taxes added to specific imported goods) on aluminum and steel from certain countries. The nations affected by this decision, such as the European Union and Canada, argue that this breaks agreements the U.S. has made with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The U.S. argues that these tariffs protect American national security. If the WTO cannot resolve this conflict, it may lead various countries to begin raising tariffs on each other, ultimately hurting the global economy. Listen to learn more about this possible trade war.
Read MoreApril 16, 2018
2:33
President Trump and President Xi Jinpin of China have said they are going to impose taxes on imports and exports from each others’ countries. Because China is imposing its own tariffs in response, American businesses and consumers may see cost increases. The tariff dispute has created concern that this might escalate into a trade war. Listen to hear more about the promised changes in trade between the United States and China.
Read MoreNovember 27, 2017
6:24
China is currently the United States’ biggest source of imports and one of its top export markets. President Trump has promised to enforce U.S. trade laws and agreements and promote free and fair trade with China. President Trump recently met with China’s president, Xi Jinping, to discuss trade practices. But the trade relationship is still shaky. Another focus in the relationship with China is the rapid increase of Chinese investment in U.S. start up companies. Listen to learn about the realities of investments and trade between the U.S. and China.
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