Ryan Young is a senior economist at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI). His research focuses on regulatory reform, trade policy, antitrust regulation, and other issues. His writing has appeared in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Hill, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, Fortune, and dozens of other publications. He is a frequent guest on radio programs, been interviewed by outlets including The Huffington Post and Voice of America, and been cited in media outlets including ABC News, CNN, and London’s City AM. He formerly hosted the CEI Podcast, and writes the popular “This Week in Ridiculous Regulations” series for CEI’s staff blog.
Ryan holds an M.A. in economics from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and a B.A. in history from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was previously CEI’s 2009-2010 Warren T. Brookes Journalism Fellow. Before joining CEI, he worked in the Cato Institute’s government affairs department. His personal blog is Inertia Wins.
Authored by Ryan Young
News
Economy adds 227,000 jobs in November, suggesting a steady labor market: CEI analysis
Today’s labor report for November suggests a steady job market, with 227,000 jobs being added to the economy last month. Considering the report, the…
Trump promises day-one tariffs to the detriment of consumers
President-elect Trump says he will sign an executive order on his first day in office imposing new tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico.
Inflation slightly higher in October, credibility remains a stubborn obstacle: CEI analysis
The latest Consumer Price Index report shows inflation increased from 2.4 percent in September to 2.6 percent in October. While economic growth and the…
Blog
This week in ridiculous regulations: Milk marketing and sport fishing
- By: Ryan Young
It was a shortened week on account of Thanksgiving. Agencies issued new regulations ranging from fed cattle to general service lamps. On to the data: • Agencies issued 57 final regulations last week,…
This week in ridiculous regulations: Pear handling and airport construction
- By: Ryan Young
CEI founder Fred Smith passed away at age 83. Few people were as effective as Fred in pushing back against regulatory excesses, and nobody did it…
Thank you, Fred Smith
- By: Ryan Young
When I was fresh out of college, I attended a large classical liberal conference. After one day’s sessions wrapped up, I had dinner at a…
Op-Eds/Articles
Econlib
Tolstoy, Kirzner, and Happiness as a Process
- By: Ryan Young
A recent Liberty Fund Virtual Reading Group explored the theme of joy in Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina. For Tolstoy, happiness is not an end state…
DC Journal
Counterpoint: Harris’ Price Controls Won’t Tame Inflation
- By: Ryan Young
Right problem, wrong solution. It’s one of the most familiar stories in politics. Thanks to inflation, every American is paying higher prices for groceries and…
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr. and Ryan Young: America’s regulatory burden cost your family almost $16,000 a year
Most American families spend more on regulatory compliance than they do on food, education, or any other expense besides housing. From zoning and permit restrictions…
Studies
Adam Smith’s guide to life, loveliness, and the modern economy
- By: Christopher Culp, Fred L. Smith, Jr., Iain Murray, Jeremy Lott, John Berlau, Kent Lassman, Ryan Young, Stone Washington
Introduction: Going strong at 300 Ryan Young This essay collection celebrates Adam Smith’s 300th birthday. He is best known for being the first modern economist,…
Toward a US-Swiss Trade Agreement
This paper examines the benefits and challenges of a potential free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Switzerland. Such an agreement would do…
Conflict of Justice
Introduction Imagine that a federal agency has charged you with violating a law or regulation, and you have to defend yourself in court. But you…
Citations
The Washington Times
Thanksgiving dinner will cost less this year as inflation cools
- By: Ryan Young
The Washington Times cited CEI’s expert on inflation “Even without the drop in turkey prices, Thanksgiving would still be more affordable than last year,” said Ryan…
The National News Desk
New administration brings unknowns to Fed’s path on interest rates
- By: Ryan Young
The National News Desk quoted CEI’s expert on the new administrations spending initiatives. “There is a huge amount of uncertainty on the tariff front.
Econlib
Acemoglu and Robinson Basically Ignored Adam Smith
- By: Ryan Young
Econlib cited CEI experts on economist article Acemoglu and Robinson do discuss recent empirical research by economic historians. The book is compelling and highly readable…
Regulatory Comments
CEI’s comment on Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets
Dear Mr. Offutt: On behalf of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, we respectfully submit these comments to the Department of Agriculture (“the Department”) on its proposed…
Request for Comment on Proposed Modifications and Exclusion Process in Section 301 Investigation
On behalf of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), we respectfully submit the following comments in response to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Modifications and…
Comments of the Competitive Enterprise Institute
September 26, 2023 RE: Premerger Notification; Reporting and Waiting Period Requirements Docket ID No.: FTC-2023-0040-0001 On behalf of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), we respectfully…
Podcast Episodes
Economics for Everybody with Ryan Young
Free the Economy is a podcast focused on how we all can become happier, healthier, and wealthier in a world with less government control.
In episode...
