Alan Beattie
@alanbeattie.bsky.social
Opiner for Financial Times in London. Globalisation, econ, snark. RT≠👍. Views own. alan.beattie@ft.com. Sign up to my FT Trade Secrets newsletter https://subs.ft.com/spa3_tradesecrets?segmentId=357afa03-959c-93ed-0842-58e2115025d4.
Pinned
Alan Beattie
@alanbeattie.bsky.social
· Jan 7
OK, it's well past time to start a thread.
Welcome to Donald Trump's trade policy. Nobody. Knows. Anything.
1/n
Welcome to Donald Trump's trade policy. Nobody. Knows. Anything.
1/n
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Trump: "Nobody knows what magnets are."
November 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Trump: "Nobody knows what magnets are."
“Unlikely”. Tremendous understatement, epic work.
November 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
“Unlikely”. Tremendous understatement, epic work.
If I were an American I would save money by simply buying lottery tickets with winning numbers and not those with losing numbers.
Tell me you don’t understand risk pools without telling me you don’t understand risk pools
November 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM
If I were an American I would save money by simply buying lottery tickets with winning numbers and not those with losing numbers.
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Tell me you don’t understand risk pools without telling me you don’t understand risk pools
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Tell me you don’t understand risk pools without telling me you don’t understand risk pools
Reposted by Alan Beattie
SOLICITOR GENERAL SAUER, last week: “.. They are not revenue-raising tariffs.” 🤡
November 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
SOLICITOR GENERAL SAUER, last week: “.. They are not revenue-raising tariffs.” 🤡
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
My Trade Secrets today. If the Supreme Court rules against Trump's emergency tariffs he can replace them. The real impact is political. Tariffs are already unpopular & blamed for high prices; being ruled illegal won't help.
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
The political risk to Donald Trump from the Supreme Court ruling
[FREE TO READ] The tariff case threatens his popularity far more than it does the US economy
on.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
My Trade Secrets today. If the Supreme Court rules against Trump's emergency tariffs he can replace them. The real impact is political. Tariffs are already unpopular & blamed for high prices; being ruled illegal won't help.
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
BRB, just going to source a deerstalker and a briar pipe and hang around in the background of Met police cordons.
Loving today's news that the mysterious "fedora man" outside the Louvre heist was actually a 15-year-old museum visitor who dresses like a 1940s French detective all the time, just because. apnews.com/article/louv...
Fedora man unmasked: Meet the teen behind the Louvre mystery photo
Fifteen-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux has become an internet sensation after an Associated Press photo captured him outside the Louvre on the day of a crown jewels heist.
apnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
BRB, just going to source a deerstalker and a briar pipe and hang around in the background of Met police cordons.
1. Clampdown on benefit cheats!
2. Clampdown on benefit cheats doesn’t work.
3. Blitz on red tape!
4. Blitz on red tape doesn’t work.
5. Go to 1.
Currently we’re between 3 and 4. I’m confident we’ll be back at 1 by Christmas.
2. Clampdown on benefit cheats doesn’t work.
3. Blitz on red tape!
4. Blitz on red tape doesn’t work.
5. Go to 1.
Currently we’re between 3 and 4. I’m confident we’ll be back at 1 by Christmas.
November 9, 2025 at 12:24 PM
1. Clampdown on benefit cheats!
2. Clampdown on benefit cheats doesn’t work.
3. Blitz on red tape!
4. Blitz on red tape doesn’t work.
5. Go to 1.
Currently we’re between 3 and 4. I’m confident we’ll be back at 1 by Christmas.
2. Clampdown on benefit cheats doesn’t work.
3. Blitz on red tape!
4. Blitz on red tape doesn’t work.
5. Go to 1.
Currently we’re between 3 and 4. I’m confident we’ll be back at 1 by Christmas.
Are we still doing these?
November 9, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Are we still doing these?
Along with the meatpacking rant, further evidence Trump has clocked the cost-of-living issue but has no idea what to do about it. I guess cutting tariffs is out of the question.
(NB I reckon that despite tariffs, inflationary risks from services are probably bigger than those from goods.)
(NB I reckon that despite tariffs, inflationary risks from services are probably bigger than those from goods.)
November 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Along with the meatpacking rant, further evidence Trump has clocked the cost-of-living issue but has no idea what to do about it. I guess cutting tariffs is out of the question.
(NB I reckon that despite tariffs, inflationary risks from services are probably bigger than those from goods.)
(NB I reckon that despite tariffs, inflationary risks from services are probably bigger than those from goods.)
Denmark is the new Australia.
I wrote about the lessons the Danish social democrats want to offer Labour last month, and noted a distinct uptick in Denmark Chat at conference. As I discuss in the piece, I am more convinced by the arguments for Spain-as-model.
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/oc...
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/oc...
November 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Denmark is the new Australia.
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Rather than dubbing these economic security agreements, I quite like @alanbeattie.bsky.social 's description of the Malaysia and Cambodia agreements: "neocolonial gunboat trade diplomacy as though it were analogous to the pursuit of co-operative alliance-based economic security."
Greece, US Sign Economic Security Declaration in Athens
https://www.europesays.com/2553287/
Greece and United States on Friday signed a joint declaration in Athens focusing on economic security, capping off…
https://www.europesays.com/2553287/
Greece and United States on Friday signed a joint declaration in Athens focusing on economic security, capping off…
Greece, US Sign Economic Security Declaration in Athens - EUROPE SAYS
Greece and United States on Friday signed a joint declaration in Athens focusing on economic security, capping off a whirlwind 6th Transatlantic Partnership
www.europesays.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Rather than dubbing these economic security agreements, I quite like @alanbeattie.bsky.social 's description of the Malaysia and Cambodia agreements: "neocolonial gunboat trade diplomacy as though it were analogous to the pursuit of co-operative alliance-based economic security."
Trump reinventing himself as a mash-up of Teddy Roosevelt and Upton Sinclair was not what I had on my bingo card for 2025, and yet here we are.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Trump reinventing himself as a mash-up of Teddy Roosevelt and Upton Sinclair was not what I had on my bingo card for 2025, and yet here we are.
Reposted by Alan Beattie
👂🏼 POD TIME 👂🏼
Me and @robarmstrong.bsky.social on:
-DIY data
-DIY dishwasher tablets?
-being mean to Rob
-flying taxis
-people saying stupid stuff about the UK
open.spotify.com/episode/1fR4...
Me and @robarmstrong.bsky.social on:
-DIY data
-DIY dishwasher tablets?
-being mean to Rob
-flying taxis
-people saying stupid stuff about the UK
open.spotify.com/episode/1fR4...
DIY data
open.spotify.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:46 AM
👂🏼 POD TIME 👂🏼
Me and @robarmstrong.bsky.social on:
-DIY data
-DIY dishwasher tablets?
-being mean to Rob
-flying taxis
-people saying stupid stuff about the UK
open.spotify.com/episode/1fR4...
Me and @robarmstrong.bsky.social on:
-DIY data
-DIY dishwasher tablets?
-being mean to Rob
-flying taxis
-people saying stupid stuff about the UK
open.spotify.com/episode/1fR4...
Once again the magisterial position of "don't know/don't care" on a pointless question commands a clear majority of the British public. cc @ciaranm.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Once again the magisterial position of "don't know/don't care" on a pointless question commands a clear majority of the British public. cc @ciaranm.bsky.social
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Let’s hear more of the dangers of democratic socialism under Mamdani
Trump to the Novo Nordisk CEO: "Maybe you should give us a piece of the company like I've been asking for."
November 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Let’s hear more of the dangers of democratic socialism under Mamdani
The main point here is this is very funny. But can any US criminal law types explain why you would find someone not guilty of assault when they’re clearly on camera throwing something at an officer? Is it because a sandwich is too small and soft to be classed as an assault weapon?
BREAKING: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT EATS A LOSS IN 'SANDWICH GUY' CASE AS JURORS FIND DEFENDANT NOT GUILTY www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Jury acquits D.C. 'sandwich guy' charged with chucking a sub at a federal agent
Sean Dunn faced single misdemeanor offense after federal grand jurors refused to indict him on the felony charge sought by prosecutors.
www.nbcnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The main point here is this is very funny. But can any US criminal law types explain why you would find someone not guilty of assault when they’re clearly on camera throwing something at an officer? Is it because a sandwich is too small and soft to be classed as an assault weapon?
I had this magisterial meme in my head all the time I was writing this piece. I'd say "put it in the Louvre" except it might get nicked. ⬇️
I was worried the MY deal looked pretty onerous, but they seem confident they can..
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I had this magisterial meme in my head all the time I was writing this piece. I'd say "put it in the Louvre" except it might get nicked. ⬇️
Hubristic Argentine president with uncertain US and IMF backing decides to maintain half-arsed crawling band exchange rate regime to hold up peso rather than letting it float despite market pressure.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
www.ft.com/content/b22f...
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
www.ft.com/content/b22f...
Milei defies calls to float Argentine peso freely
Libertarian president vows to double down on transformation of country’s economy
www.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Hubristic Argentine president with uncertain US and IMF backing decides to maintain half-arsed crawling band exchange rate regime to hold up peso rather than letting it float despite market pressure.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
www.ft.com/content/b22f...
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
www.ft.com/content/b22f...
Reposted by Alan Beattie
1/Forget abundance. Welcome to the politics of scarcity.
The Trump Administration is saying Americans will need to live with less -- fewer flights, less food aid, smaller universities, shrunken federal workforce. Why? Its not about prosperity but power.
apnews.com/article/gove...
The Trump Administration is saying Americans will need to live with less -- fewer flights, less food aid, smaller universities, shrunken federal workforce. Why? Its not about prosperity but power.
apnews.com/article/gove...
FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 'high-volume' markets during government shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration says it plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown.
apnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:05 PM
1/Forget abundance. Welcome to the politics of scarcity.
The Trump Administration is saying Americans will need to live with less -- fewer flights, less food aid, smaller universities, shrunken federal workforce. Why? Its not about prosperity but power.
apnews.com/article/gove...
The Trump Administration is saying Americans will need to live with less -- fewer flights, less food aid, smaller universities, shrunken federal workforce. Why? Its not about prosperity but power.
apnews.com/article/gove...
My Trade Secrets today. Trump is signing geopolitical trade deals in Asia which let the US dictate countries' trade policy and turn them against China.
But I reckon governments can steer a middle course if they're smart and nimble. (I speak to Malaysia's trade minister, who unsurprisingly agrees.)
But I reckon governments can steer a middle course if they're smart and nimble. (I speak to Malaysia's trade minister, who unsurprisingly agrees.)
The US can’t force Asian countries into its trade camp
[FREE TO READ] Trump’s deals with Malaysia and Cambodia will not turn them into economic satellites in a cold war of commerce
on.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM
My Trade Secrets today. Trump is signing geopolitical trade deals in Asia which let the US dictate countries' trade policy and turn them against China.
But I reckon governments can steer a middle course if they're smart and nimble. (I speak to Malaysia's trade minister, who unsurprisingly agrees.)
But I reckon governments can steer a middle course if they're smart and nimble. (I speak to Malaysia's trade minister, who unsurprisingly agrees.)
Reposted by Alan Beattie
Absolutely the best thing you will read today.
NEW: The End of the Line: the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s Neom gigaproject - a 500m tall, 170km long wall-like building intended ultimately to house 9 million people - can’t get out of the ground, say more than 20 former Neom architects, engineers and senior executives.
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
End of The Line: how Saudi Arabia’s Neom dream unravelled
Mohammed bin Salman’s utopian city was undone by the laws of physics and finance
ig.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Absolutely the best thing you will read today.
Reposted by Alan Beattie
The haters said they couldn't do it. And they were right. Honestly, great call from the haters.
NEW: The End of the Line: the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s Neom gigaproject - a 500m tall, 170km long wall-like building intended ultimately to house 9 million people - can’t get out of the ground, say more than 20 former Neom architects, engineers and senior executives.
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
End of The Line: how Saudi Arabia’s Neom dream unravelled
Mohammed bin Salman’s utopian city was undone by the laws of physics and finance
ig.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:08 AM
The haters said they couldn't do it. And they were right. Honestly, great call from the haters.
Reposted by Alan Beattie
For me, it is objectively ridiculous that the UK left knows and cares a lot more about Zohran Mamdani than it does about Pedro Sánchez - the left-wing Prime Minister of Europe's fastest growing economy.
November 5, 2025 at 9:32 AM
For me, it is objectively ridiculous that the UK left knows and cares a lot more about Zohran Mamdani than it does about Pedro Sánchez - the left-wing Prime Minister of Europe's fastest growing economy.