Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/03/31/522226226/episode-762-the-fine-print
Summary: Everybody at one point in their life has heard the term “Got to read the fine print”. But what does that actually mean? Planet Money tells stories about what happens when you read the fine print, and how you can make money from it.
Original Air Date: March 31, 2017
Length: 19 minutes 32 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/11/06/455055023/episode-662-omg-tpp
Summary: In this podcast, the Planet Money team investigates the much anticipated Trans-Pacific Partnership and discusses some of the highlights in the bill’s nearly six thousand pages.
Original Air Date: November 7, 2015
Length: 22 minutes 9 seconds
Summary: In this podcast tariffs are examined, showing both their positive and negative affects on economies. Also mentioned is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule which gages how much each import is to be taxed
Original Air Date: December 12, 2013
Length: 5 minutes 20 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2015/02/13/386005044/episode-603-a-rose-on-any-other-day
The Planet Money Team investigates the logistics and risks that accompany the iconic Valentine’s Day flower, the rose. Additionally mentioned is cost of shipping and seasonal demand.
Original Air Date: February 13, 2015
Length: 17 minutes 37 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/06/21/194326482/episode-467-tires-taxes-and-the-grizz
Summary: The prices of tires have been rising over the past five years primarily due to a rise in the price of inputs such as rubber. A tariff imposed by the U.S. government on Chinese tire imports has also contributed to the increase of tire prices. Planet Money outlines the negative impacts on U.S. tire companies resulting from the tariff.
Original Air Date: June 21, 2013
Length: 14 min
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/01/26/133120017/the-friday-podcast-a-meat-grinder-for-fabric
Summary: A view into the experience of importing goods to the U.S. through a discussion with a trade lawyer and a tour of customs official laboratory.
Original air date: January 21, 2011
Length: 21:33
Main story content begins: 2:55
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/01/26/130917279/the-friday-podcast-cotton-wars
Summary: Presentation of the trade war in the cotton market between Brazil and the U.S. Part of a series of podcasts inspired by Pietra Rivoli’s “Travels of the T-Shirt”
Original air date: October 29, 2010
Length: 31:28
Main story content begins: 1:45
Discussion Prompt: The US is the largest exporter of cotton—thanks to government subsidies—and is in direct competition with Brazil. Discuss how subsidies and protectionist acts by the government impact industries and consumers in the United States and in Brazil, and whether you agree with these policies by the U.S.
Written Assignment Prompt: In the podcast, Pedro describes the US as breaking the ‘rules’—which refers to a WTO agreement that Brazil, the US, and many other countries signed. Brazil fights back and wins! Sort of. Imagine you are a member of the WTO ruling on decisions such as these. Considering the outcome and impacts of this case in particular: how much power do you have over making rulings and forcing countries to follow them? Is there a way to make the US and others in violation of WTO rules comply?
