The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy

Brief Synopsis:

The travels of a T-Shirt in the global economy was a good book for those interested in economics and how they affect global business decisions. This book takes the reader from the cotton field of west Texas to the factories of eastern China and back to the United States. Winding its way through the journey, the book mainly focuses on fiscal policies adopted by counties to encourage and hinder trade.

Viewpoint and Audience:

The audience of this book is defiantly not high level economists nor is it your everyday man. Background knowledge of how trading between countries is done and regulated is useful for a better understanding of what Rivoli is getting at in the book. So, I would call the audience of this book an educated bunch with an interest in where the imports and exports of there nation are ending up. To truly appreciate this book, the reader must enjoy soft macroeconomics. A person apposed to trade may find some of the ideas in this book insulting because this book seems to be pro globalization.

Strengths:

I really liked the way this book broke down some of the complex economics of trade reform and tariff/quotas. Reading this information in a story type book make is more palatable to the reader. The history of the book is very informative. I liked how Rivoli developed each segment of the production process from a historical point and took it to modern day.

The politics of the book were very insightful. Rivoli introduces a very powerful lobby sector in the US. Thought the book does not say it, agricultural institutions are said to be the 10^th largest lobby group in Washington. Consequently, no matter how hard the WTO or other nations push the US to quickly eliminate domestic supports, there will be a fight. Agriculture, like GM and Ford, is a staple in the American way of life. Efficient or not, policy makers will fight for it.

Another strength of the book was the discussion on the race to the bottom. In my international food policy class this quarter we discussed this topic in great detail. As a manager it will be important for me to be able to identify the best solutions to sourcing issues internationally. The race to the bottom is not something I really believe in however. I feel as if moving production to underdeveloped countries to take advantage of their most abundant resource (labor) helps that country establish a capitalistic government. In that establishment they begin to enjoy the benefits, such as increased wages and standards of living.

Of course I liked the history from the agricultural perspective in the beginning of the book. Though it was not as informative as it could have been, it served its purpose to inform a reader with little to no background in the subject.

One topic I found particularly interesting was the market for used clothing. I never knew it existed. It is good to see that the stuff spoiled Americans throw away is going to a better use.


Weaknesses:

My main criticism of the book was its one sided argument. I think Rivoli could have done a better job presenting some of the negative aspects of trade. Yes, he continually brought up how jobs were being sent over seas and little towns across America were disappearing, but there are better arguments out there. I will not go off on a rant here.

Personal interests:

I felt like this book help me understand some of the micro and macro teaching I received in the MBA program. I especially enjoyed the synergy between the book and my AGB classes. Much of the micro economics we discussed in world food policy showed up in this book. Having this happen is comforting because it lets me know the information I am being taught is not just political/technical garbage. I feel as if my new job will benefit from some of the knowledge I gained in this book.

My Overall Impression:

Overall I liked the book. It made some very important economic issues more clear to me. The simplified way in which the author presents the information made it a somewhat easy read.