Foreign Direct Investment - spot the problem? (Patreon)

This chart highlights the challenges that smaller countries like the UK face in a world where the biggest economies are offering huge subsidies to their industries. This can make it difficult for smaller countries to compete, and can lead to job losses and economic decline.

In the case of the UK, Brexit has made the situation even more difficult. The UK is now outside of the European Union's single market and customs union, which means that it faces more trade barriers with its largest trading partners. This has made it more expensive for UK businesses to import and export goods, and has led to a decline in trade.

The combination of rising protectionism and Brexit is likely to have a significant impact on the UK economy in the years to come. Smaller businesses in particular are likely to be hit hard, and there is a risk of job losses and economic stagnation.

The UK government has said that it is committed to free trade, but it is unclear how it will achieve this in a world where other countries are becoming more protectionist. The government will need to find ways to support UK businesses and help them to compete in the global economy. It will also need to negotiate new trade deals with other countries in order to reduce the impact of Brexit.

H/t to Sanjay for the chart!