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
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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
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of expanding US-South America trade?
## Interview with Dr. Alexandra Ramirez on South American Trade
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Ramirez. We’ve seen some interesting headlines lately about potential trade deals with South America, and, well, let’s just say it’s stirred up a bit of a pot. What are your thoughts on this potential US-South America trade expansion?
**Dr. Ramirez:** It’s certainly a complex issue with a lot of moving parts. [1](https://www.trade.gov/south-america-trade-mission) shows the US already has existing agreements with Chile and Peru, and there’s clearly potential for growth in this region with over 397 million consumers and a significant amount of US goods already being imported. However, there are concerns, as always, about the impact on various sectors such as agriculture and the environment.
**Host:** You mentioned concerns. We hear a lot about France voicing opposition to certain trade deals. What’s behind that?
**Dr. Ramirez:** France often takes a strong stance on protecting its agricultural sector. They are also concerned about environmental standards and the potential impact on smaller producers within South American countries. While their approach can be seen as protectionist by some, it reflects a desire to ensure fair trade practices and sustainability.
**Host:** So, it’s a balancing act, isn’t it?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Absolutely. Trade can bring significant benefits, but it’s vital to ensure it’s done ethically and sustainably. This means considering the impact on various stakeholders, including farmers, workers, and the environment, not just focusing on economic gains.
**Host:**
Dr. Ramirez, thank you for your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear there’s a lot at stake when it comes to international trade, and these discussions are far from over.
