Does your selling price cover these costs?

The WTO is so complicated that transfer of resources between people is difficult to see. Steel, oil, chemicals and minerals are examples of sectors that have seen changes in nationalities of makers and users. Countries that have led the world in the production of these goods, no longer do so, though their consumption growth remains unabated. Governments and companies in emerging countries delight in the visible effect on GDP, foreign exchange reserves and structured employment. Pollution, depletion and extinction remain fashionable concerns and the passion of the crazy troublemakers.

The culture of deficits and political mileage give elbow room that ground zero does not have. Stewards of enterprises at the micro level must be watchful for elements of costs that bookkeeping has overlooked, for they could land on your lap during your watch.

1. Costs of all inputs that your production shares with the poor. Electricity, air and water are famous examples. There could be others in your 'A' list of Purchase.

2. Indirect subsidies on your customer’s earnings or ability to pay. Farmers in the third world and the health insured in the US are important examples.

3. Technological discontinuities in fields with which you are unfamiliar. Genetics and electronics could reach much further than you know.

4. Recovery from disasters related to the environment and the economy. Some may send faint signals but others not at all.

5. Litigation and compensation related to product liability. This could be determined very differently from your own will and beliefs.

Most people would not like more portents of doom, but the list remains incomplete.

How many unthinkable events lurk on the horizon?