US to withdraw from the TPP

Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing from the TPP. What is your opinion on this decision? I don't know much about TPP(few do) but from what I have read, it seemed that it would have solidified the economic ties of Asia Pacific region with the United States and kept Chinese power in check. Now it seems, China which already economically dominates Africa will also dominate Eurasia with Regional Comprehensive Economic Plan and One Road, One Belt initiative.

I agree that even though the TPP did not get ratified, it gave America an option at the table of trade power that is now looking like it will go to China instead.

Quetzal said:

Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from TPP

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Ah, didn't see that thread.

Phil25 said:

Ah, didn't see that thread.

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No worries, they get buried pretty quick.

Since we didn't get to read it, we're all speculating a bit, but my sense was that this particular document might have had good intentions, but that it also had some serious flaws. On my scorecard, trump might have gotten one right, but probably for the wrong reasons.

We'll have to wait and see if it's a good thing. It seems that we get the proverbial short end of the stick in these trade deals in loss of manufacturing jobs. If our withdrawal creates more American jobs then great. I hope that is the case.

David1967 said:

It seems that we get the proverbial short end of the stick in these trade deals in loss of manufacturing jobs.

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Most manufacturing job losses have been due to technology and efficiency, but about 15% of losses were due to trade deals. You get the upside in terms of cheaper goods though.

The main problems with these giant trade pacts is that they are subject to so much negotiation and compromise that they can 'lock in' bad laws and regulations that become hard to change later. They are also a great opportunity for lobbyist to have long term influence of trade policy at a relatively low cost. Anything that allows the opportunity to maximise the 'bang for their buck' of special interests tends not to be in the people's interests.

And, as they are very complex, it is hard to predict how they will function and if there will be unintended consequences down the line or people identifying loophioles to game the system.

Overall, I'd say it is a very good thing, so Trump should get credit for the decision.

I'm happy about it.

In brief, I oppose the TPP but, ironically, have been reluctantly for NAFTA. The latter actually has helped Mexico economically, plus Mexicans and other Latin Americans willingly buy U.S. and Canadian products. However, this is less true when we're trying to sell our products to Asian countries.

If NAFTA is gutted, we will without much doubt see another flood of immigrants flooding over the border looking for jobs here, and no wall high enough will stop them.