Right, so, "Commerce" you say? Riveting. Naturally, like a glazed donut in a sugar factory, it’s behind a paywall. As if the headline wasn’t already beige enough.
Oh look, farmers. Angry farmers. Chuckles mirthlessly. Sounds about right. They’re probably fuming over the price of a tractor tyre ever since that fella Trump decided Brexit was a fantastic idea.
"Trade agreement with South America." Oh, the allure of a good old fashioned mercantilist bonanza. Imagine, lads: 780 million consumers, all clamouring for overpriced European cheese and questionable fashion.
Of course, someone’s gotta be the drama queen in this global marketplace tango, isn’t there? Enter France. They’re the only ones having a go at this South American shindig. Typical.
Let’s be honest, unless it involves berets, mime artists, or complaining about the price of croissants, the French just aren’t interested.
But seriously, they’re worried about the environment, the farmers, the… squints at notes "industrial fabric?" Sounds like someone’s been watching too much Marx.
That being said, if Trump resurrects himself like some sort of orange-tinted zombie, I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone starts grabbing onto any trade deal they can get their hands on.
It’s a funny old world, isn’t it? One minute you’re worried about global warming, the next you’re fighting over the right to sell cheap tractors to sweaty Argentinians.
And don’t even get me started on the Chinese. They’re just waiting in the wings with their chopsticks ready to scoop up whatever’s left.
Bloody hell. Commerce, eh? More like a circus designed by a Machiavellian accountant.
Maybe we should all just grow our own veg and wear burlap sacks. At least then we’d know where we stand.
Commerce
Article reserved for subscribers
Angry farmers fileObject of the farmers’ mobilization from Monday, the trade agreement with South America is, for the majority of European states, essential to the economic security of the EU, especially after the election of Donald Trump. France is the only big country to want to oppose it.
Will Trump 2.0 accelerate the signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) which should create a vast commercial zone of 780 million inhabitants? ? The fear aroused by the imminent return to power of this isolationist Republican, who has promised to launch a trade war against Europe and China, pushes the Commission and the vast majority of Member States to want to conclude as quickly as possible. , even if this means going beyond France. Especially since China is only waiting for one thing, to take Europe’s place in a market in which it is increasingly present.
Already, the election of Trump 1.0 had given new vigor to these trade agreements whose hour of glory seemed to have passed. Thus, two years after the 2016 election, the Union finalized negotiations which had dragged on for almost ten years with Japan before entering into a series of agreements with Singapore, Vietnam and New Zealand. Today, Europe has the largest free trade system in the world, having concluded around forty treaties.
Part of public opinion, particularly in France, remains opposed to it, seeing it as a threat to agriculture, the environment and the industrial fabric. But American isolationism – which has not been denied during the presidency of Joe Biden, notably with the adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at accelerating the transition
How could the rise of China impact the negotiations for this trade agreement?
## Interview with Trade Expert on South American Trade Agreement
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re diving into the murky waters of international trade. Joining us is Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert on global trade agreements. Dr. Sharma, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure.
**Host:** So, there’s a lot of buzz around a potential trade agreement with South America, but it seems like there’s more than meets the eye. Can you shed some light on what’s happening?
**Dr. Sharma:** Certainly. This potential agreement is drawing a lot of attention, primarily because it would open up a market of nearly 800 million consumers to European goods [[1](https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions)]. However, as with any complex trade deal, there are both opportunities and challenges.
**Host:** You mentioned challenges, and I understand France has been particularly vocal about its concerns. What’s their beef?
**Dr. Sharma:** France has expressed concerns about several aspects, including the potential environmental impact, the impact on its agricultural sector, and what they term the “industrial fabric” of Europe. Some see this as a protectionist stance, while others applaud France for highlighting these crucial issues.
**Host:** It seems like a classic trade-off…potential economic gains versus potential social and environmental costs. Do you think these concerns are justified?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a valid question. Every trade agreement needs to carefully balance economic benefits with social and environmental considerations. Open dialog and transparent negotiations are key to finding solutions that work for all parties involved.
**Host:** Of course, the global economic landscape is constantly shifting. With the rise of China, and even the possibility of a Trump resurgence, how do you see these factors impacting this trade negotiations?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a complex geopolitical chessboard. The rise of China undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to trade negotiations. As for Mr. Trump, while his political future remains uncertain, his past actions have shown a willingness to disrupt existing trade agreements.
**Host:** So, in your expert opinion, what’s the likely outcome of these negotiations?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s too early to say definitively. However, it’s crucial to remember that trade agreements are not just about numbers; they’re about building strong, sustainable relationships between nations.
**Host:** Well said, Dr. Sharma. Thanks for providing such insightful commentary on this important issue.