21 votes

The EU and Japan have signed an unprecedented free trade agreement which will create one of the world's largest trading blocs

3 comments

  1. nil-admirari
    Link
    Now that's some artful deal making. The USA has been substantially diminished by withdrawing rather than skillful engagement and negotiating. It is the difference between a Rembrandt and throwing...

    According to the European Commission, the EU-Japan "Economic Partnership Agreement" (EPA) is the largest trade deal ever negotiated by the EU and will create a trade zone covering 600 million people and nearly a third of global GDP.

    After signing the deal, Tusk said: "We are sending a clear message that we stand together against protectionism."

    Now that's some artful deal making. The USA has been substantially diminished by withdrawing rather than skillful engagement and negotiating. It is the difference between a Rembrandt and throwing a bucket of discount latex paint on a wall and calling it a day.

    9 votes
  2. [2]
    enso
    Link
    I think that we are seeing the real time slide of the US away from being a global economic and military henemon and into a role of just global military hegemony. If this trend of ostracizing long...

    I think that we are seeing the real time slide of the US away from being a global economic and military henemon and into a role of just global military hegemony. If this trend of ostracizing long time trade partners and allies continues, the goods will just be bought somewhere else and the US will be left behind.

    This is before even mentioning the, what I see as impending, economic bubble collapse coming from the stock buybacks that are currently holding up the economy. The combination of these two could be disastrous for the US if risk isn't mitigated soon.

    7 votes
    1. DangerChips
      Link Parent
      I agree with your assessment and the situation is really concerning. However, if you have the cash, it just means that everything in the US will soon be on discount and once in maybe ten years...

      I agree with your assessment and the situation is really concerning. However, if you have the cash, it just means that everything in the US will soon be on discount and once in maybe ten years when things right themselves with new leadership you'll be sitting very pretty on your investments.

      2 votes