Some say the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership was designed specifically to exclude or even encircle China. So do its leaders mind being on the outs?
Japan agreed to lower tariffs on beef as a part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Reuters
Japan’s decision to lower or eliminate tariffs on rice, pork and beef may end up giving the prime minister a headache as he tries to get the trade accord through Parliament.
About 98% of US exporters are small businesses.
Cargo ship via www.shutterstock.com
The US may be closer than people think to a deal over geographical indications, laws that protect products based on their location such as Champagne, Darjeeling tea and prosciutto di Parma.
Trade policy is usually the eye-glazing preserve of policy wonks and public officials. Suddenly, however, it’s the epicentre of a debate that tells us much about the difficulties facing political parties…
China’s interventions to cheapen its currency relative to others will hurt US imports in the short term, but the country’s surging “mainstream” will easily offset the impact.
Storm clouds are gathering in the Pacific.
Clouds via www.shutterstock.com
Disputes over intellectual property and car parts are emerging as last-minute hurdles as negotiators race to complete the Trans-Pacific Partnership ahead of elections.
Negotiators appear to be giving Japan’s rice farmers short shrift.
Rice via www.shutterstock.com
Japanese negotiators in Maui appear to be bending to American pressure to accept more US rice imports. The flood of grain, local farmers say, will end their way of life.
Indonesia has long wanted to be able to meet rising national demand for beef through domestic production.
EPA/Adi Weda
Sub-Saharan African countries have the lowest trade among themselves compared with other regions. This is why there has been a major focus on reducing red tape and other non-tariff trade barriers
Republicans and Democrats have a hard time agreeing on anything, but the issue of trade seems to defy party affiliation.
Teeter totter via www.shutterstock.com
The fight over fast-track that pitted the president against his own party offers reasons for both pessimism and optimism in future trade deals.
The Export-Import Bank provides financing and other services to help foreign companies buy US products like Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing 787 via www.shutterstock.com
The fierce debate in the US Congress that almost derailed the president’s trade agenda is likely to replay itself in many of the 11 other capitals that are party to the deal.
US President Barack Obama speaks at the US-Africa leaders summit. The number of US programs and initiatives on the continent has grown exponentially.
EPA
Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Kenya is a clear sign American military and economic involvement in Africa will continue to rise amid growing Chinese influence.
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
REUTERS/Diego Azubel/Pool