It's always interesting when politics and economics clash, and import tariffs are a typical source of conflict. This week, we report on a legal challenge in Australia which brings five major global players in conflict with Crown Forklifts, one of the few companies still manufacturing in Australia. The issue is likely to play out in other markets, especially as cheap Chinese imports gain traction and governments will increasingly have to choose between the interests of local jobs and the competitiveness of local players who rely on cheaper imports. Obviously, there's no clear answer in this, but the ongoing reports of factory closures certainly tip the balance in favour of protectionism.