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Decoder · November 5, 2026 · 49m

The hidden supply chain costs of the AI boom

Nilay Patel talks with Harvard Business School professor and supply-chain economist Willy Shih about the economic realities behind global trade. The conversation covers President Trump’s tariffs, how markets have responded to recent supply-chain shocks, and why China continues to dominate manufacturing despite widespread concerns about geopolitical risk. Shih’s upcoming book, 'Where Does My Stuff Come From?,' argues that politicians and regulators often ignore the powerful underlying economics that shape global supply chains.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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Tariffs ignore the economics of trade
Shih argues that Trump's tariffs are based on political logic that ignores the underlying economic forces that govern global supply chains.
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The episode examines why markets react the way they do to supply-chain disruptions, revealing the systemic fragility built into hyper-efficient global logistics.

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