Trans Pacific Partnership Act Doesn’t Seem That Scary

Jake Kazmierczak

Congress is expected to vote on the Trans Pacific Partnership Act in April of next year, this gives us ample time to start a discussion regarding how we want our representatives to vote. From what I gather, this partnership feels like a great deal for everyone involved. Lowering trade barriers for 12 countries, including the US, all of whom make up 40% of the worlds GDP. By lifting many of these barriers, opportunities will open for international sale and purchase of goods between these nations, while hopefully slowing the creeping economic influence of China on the rest of Asia.

The deal also seems to help countries hoping to specialize in an export, allowing them to focus on their main export, perfect it, and use the profits to purchase their remaining needs from other nations included in the pact.

On the surface this seems like a great plan, though many think otherwise. These people say the United States is receiving the short end of the stick and claim the Trans Pacific Partnership Act may do more harm than good.

           

I personally do not agree with this. Firstly, while the TPP may not completely halt China’s economic influence, it will slow it down. This is while not ideal, preferential to allowing rapid expansion. The partnership also keeps the United States’ foot in the Asian game, according to the Washington Post article U.S. Allies See Trans-Pacific Partnership as a Check on China, “many Asian countries now have trade agreements with China that were completed since the announcement of the “pivot,” and count China as their biggest trading partner.” Done may be done, but the TPP will at least open new possible paths for these Asian countries who might currently feel the need to rely on a partnership with China.

Those in opposition claim the deal has fallen short of its intentions and will hurt American industries as imported goods become increasingly cheaper. The Washington Post’s Keith Bradsher and Andrew Pollack suggest “For steel makers, auto-parts manufacturers, garment companies and solar panel producers, as well as their hundreds of thousands of workers, one question is whether the gradual reduction of import tariffs and other trade barriers will unintentionally provide a back door for more Chinese goods to enter the United States.” While this is a valid argument, I find freeing up international trade, slowing the expansion of Chinese influence in Asia, and lowering prices for the average consumer more appealing than government protection of business from foreign economic threats.

 

If Chinese products are such a danger to American companies, maybe it’s time American companies step up their game and create products that can actually compete. Let’s be honest, it would be shocking to find out in 20 years that this trade agreement was the downfall of the United States. Nonsensical restrictions on trade are by definition restricting for those involved. The Trans Pacific Partnership Act is merely freeing up nonsensical restrictions, restrictions that shouldn’t be there anymore anyways.

From what I see, I’d advocate for the TPP and I’d urge congress to sign it off. The nature of the agreement will give all countries involved time to stabilize as the restrictions are slowly lifted and by its full enactment, I suspect the positive impacts of global stability will outweigh the minor domestic negatives.