Trump Vows to 'Rip Up' All Trade Agreements

The Hill ^ | 03/03/16 06:43 PM EST | Vicki Needham

[palmer]

I could have sworn high tariffs played a huge role in sinking this country into a depression

They exacerbated it somewhat. But the depression was caused by a boom and bust. Part of the boom was the lifting of historic tariffs that we had since the founding. Once we put the tariffs back (not even as high as they were) the Great Depression was already underway and global trade was going to drop anyway.

[Soul of the South]

“In other words, we don’t have a “trade agreement” with China. Our membership in the WTO allows China to work off of our tariff book.”

We signed specific tariff agreements in 1997 and 1999 with China within the WTO framework. So technically Trump is right, we do have a trade agreement with China. In 2014, the Obama administration agreed under the WTO framework to move to tariff free imports of technology products from China. That agreement does not have to be ratified by the Senate since the authority to negotiate was ceded by the Senate to the president.

http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fi-tn-us-china-tech-tariffs-20141111-story.html

[Bidimus1]

True, some do not even have to have that done. The ABM treaty could be voided with out a law being passed for instance.

[1rudeboy]

Fair enough, I’ll grant you the technicality. But I doubt Trump is aware it exists, much like others wondering about MFN, without knowing what it means.

[1rudeboy]

Most treaties, if they are properly written, have rescission clauses. The ABM Treaty had one.

[MaxFlint]

So you honestly believe by bullying these companies that are overseas, he can force them to come back?

Traitors can never come back for all I care. Let's see how well they do without access to the US market.

And what happens to, as one example, the wheat industry here in the US where 50% of it is exported? Just one example. What happens to all these US companies that export goods?

They're not exporting much to China. Trade with Mexico won't be disrupted for long. They're totally dependent on US cash transfers.

[Neu Pragmatist]

You are exactly right ...good post

[TheStickman]

We get it. You support multi-billion trade deficits. Have a nice day.

[DoodleDawg]

We get it. You support multi-billion trade deficits. Have a nice day.

Not really but I fail to see how Trump would change that other than his claim he can rip up one deal and do another one that is much, much better.

[TheStickman]

You “fail” because the status quo is your preference based on your anti-Trump, pro-GOPe posts these last couple of months.

Hope you have a very happy March 15th. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

[VitacoreVision]

How the Free Trade Agenda Is Knocking Down America
-- The New American (PDF) Special Report
http://www.thenewamerican.com/files/TNA2917.pdf

The Special Report includes the following articles:

- The "Free Trade" Agenda Threatens Our Rights
- Global Merger: Piece by Piece
- The EU: Regionalization Trumps Sovereignty
- Trade Promises... and Trade Reality
- North American Union: From NAFTA to the NAU
- Fast-track: Enabler of the "Free Trade" Agenda
- Regional Scheme for the Pacific Rim
- EU/U.S. -- Transatlantic Convergence