Topic: Trade Agreements

Negotiators for the European Union and China are reportedly in the final stages of a bilateral investment deal aimed for completion by year-end. The timing of this agreement coincides with the final days of the Brexit transition period. Analysts suggest the EU's positioning in the deal could be influenced by the ongoing uncertainty regarding the United Kingdom's future economic relationship with the continent.

President Donald Trump accused the World Health Organization of failing to share accurate information about the coronavirus in a timely fashion and being overly influenced by China. The administration highlighted the WHO's rejection of early warnings from Taiwan regarding human-to-human transmission as a primary reason for the global delay in response.

President Trump accuses Speaker Nancy Pelosi of being "paralyzed" and failing to bring the USMCA trade agreement to a vote. He claims labor leader Richard Trumka is exerting undue influence over Pelosi to prevent the deal's passage. The hosts discuss the pressure from Mexico and Canada regarding the stalled agreement.

During a televised meeting with his negotiating team, President Donald Trump expressed his dislike for the term "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU), arguing it lacks legal weight. Despite negotiator Robert Lighthizer's explanation that an MOU is a binding contract in trade law, Trump ordered that all future documents be referred to as "Trade Agreements" to signify a final, binding deal.

President Donald Trump delivered a speech in the Rose Garden addressing the future of trade between the United States and the United Kingdom post-Brexit. Trump emphasized a commitment to preserving and substantially increasing the trading relationship as the UK navigates its exit from the European Union. Current deliberations in the Brexit process are described as stagnant and lacking clear updates.

Debate continues over the economic impact of a No-Deal Brexit, with some arguing that trade would continue under standard international systems similar to Norway or Switzerland. Business leaders like Tim Martin of Wetherspoons claim that warnings of a stock market collapse are fear-mongering, noting that London employment remains high despite the pound's fluctuations.

The Brexit agreement establishes a 21-month transition period during which the UK will remain an EU member until July 2020. Key unresolved issues include the Northern Ireland border, fishing rights in UK waters, and the status of British territories like Gibraltar and Cyprus. The hosts describe the document as a "nothing burger" consisting mostly of agreements to make future agreements.

Renegotiations for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have begun, with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland outlining her country's goals. Beyond economic growth, Canada is pushing for "progressive" measures within the trade deal, including provisions for labor, the environment, gender, and indigenous rights. The inclusion of social justice themes in a major trade negotiation is noted as a significant shift in policy.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada was blocked by the regional parliament of Wallonia in Belgium. Walloon leader Paul Magnette demanded guarantees on social and environmental standards, demonstrating how a sub-national entity can halt major international trade deals.

The hosts discuss the upcoming Brexit vote, weighing the economic risks against the loss of national sovereignty under the Lisbon Treaty. They express skepticism toward the EU's long-term stability, suggesting that a centralized European army could lead to future conflict.

The hosts analyze the legal mechanism that allowed the Dutch referendum to occur, noting that the group Geen Pijl successfully gathered over 400,000 signatures. Politicians who supported the EU-Ukraine deal are criticized for claiming that referenda are "bad for democracy" once the public votes against their interests.

A technicality in the trade agreement allows Ukraine to continue using protected names like "Champagne" and "Feta" for its exports for a limited time. The hosts discuss the quality of Bulgarian feta cheese compared to Greek varieties and the strict European Union regulations regarding protected designations of origin.

Bernie Sanders secures a surprise victory in the Michigan primary, defying polling data that showed him trailing significantly. Sanders attributes his success to his opposition to trade deals like NAFTA and permanent normal trade relations with China. Despite the loss, analysts note that Hillary Clinton maintains a substantial lead in the overall delegate count.

The European Union voted to approve a mandate to complete the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United States. Despite the significance of the trade deal, the event received minimal media coverage. The discussion includes a brief attempt at humor regarding the acronym's phonetic similarity to a colloquial phrase.

President Obama defends his push for fast-track trade authority, arguing that the United States must write the rules of global trade before China does. Critics highlight the President's repetitive rhetoric, specifically his claim that he "wouldn't be doing it" if it weren't the right thing for American workers. The administration faces significant opposition from within the Democratic party regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Republican-controlled Congress is expected to grant President Obama fast-track negotiating authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). While some Democrats oppose the deal to protect the U.S. market, Republicans may push for the total elimination of tariffs. The hosts discuss the potential impact on Asian nations like Japan and Malaysia.

The Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill would grant President Obama fast-track power to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). While alternative media outlets warn of lost internet freedoms, the primary driver is the export of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan and Europe. This strategy aims to compete with Russian and Chinese energy influence while utilizing the surplus created by the US fracking boom.

A new presidential proclamation regarding a free trade agreement with Korea is analyzed. The hosts theorize that this could open the door for a pipeline from Vladivostok to run through North Korea into South Korea, further isolating China from regional energy markets.

NPR reports on the massive concentration of North Korean troops and artillery along the DMZ. The hosts also discuss the South Korean trade agreement and reports of mass burials of livestock due to foot-and-mouth disease in the region.

Following the finalization of a free trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has led to the culling of over one million head of Korean livestock. The hosts suggest the timing is suspicious, as the destruction of local cattle and pigs creates an immediate market for U.S. beef imports. This follows years of Korean resistance to American beef based on cultural traditions and safety concerns.