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 proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal impact the ”industrial fabric” of French society ?
## Interview with Trade Expert on French Farmer Protests
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, professor of international trade and economics at the University of [insert city name]. Dr. Carter, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. There’s been a lot of buzz about French farmers protesting a potential trade agreement between the EU and South America. To be honest, the initial reaction from some seems… bemused, to say the least. Why are French farmers so concerned about a deal some are calling a “mercantilist bonanza?”
**Dr. Carter**: Well, it’s not just about cheese and fashion, despite what some may think. [1] The proposed deal could significantly impact French agricultural products facing stiff competition from South American imports. French farmers are worried about potentially lower prices for their goods, and they fear losing market share.
**Host:** Is this fear justified?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s understandable. The deal could lead to increased competition, potentially putting pressure on French farmer incomes. However, there can be benefits too. Trade deals can open new markets for European goods, and that can lead to economic growth. It’s a balancing act.
**Host:** The article mentions concerns about environmental impact and the “industrial fabric” of French society. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Carter:** Those are valid concerns. Trade deals can have significant environmental implications, especially regarding agricultural practices. There’s also a fear that a cheaper influx of goods from South America could undercut local businesses and traditions in France, impacting their “industrial fabric”.
**Host:** Interesting. Some are painting this as a uniquely French issue, with France portrayed as the only dissenting voice. Is that a fair assessment?
**Dr. Carter:** Not necessarily. While France might be the most vocal in its opposition, it’s likely that other EU countries share some of these concerns, even if they aren’t expressing them as forcefully.
**Host:** This brings us to the elephant in the room. The article jokes darkly about a potential “Trump resurrection” and a scramble for trade deals. Do you think global uncertainty plays a role in these negotiations?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Global instability can lead to countries seeking greater economic security through trade agreements. Ironically, the very uncertainty that might drive these deals can also make them harder to negotiate.
**Host:** So, where do you see this going?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s hard to say. The EU and South American nations will have to carefully consider the potential impact on both sides, balancing economic opportunity with social and environmental concerns.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for shedding light on this complex issue. It’s certainly more than meets the eye.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.
