USA Sustained Business with Asian Giants: China,Japan, India, South Korea

 ## America's Sustained Business Ties with Asian Giants: China, Japan, India, and South Korea

The United States has cultivated robust and multifaceted business relationships with Asia’s leading economies-Japan, India, and South Korea. These enduring partnerships encompass trade, technology transfer, investment, and strategic cooperation, shaping the global economic and technological landscape. This thesis explores the evolution and current state of these ties, focusing on three pillars: USA-Japan growing trade and collaborations, USA-India ongoing healthy trade and technological partnerships, and USA-South Korea’s dynamic trade and technology exchanges.

## USA-Japan: Growing Trade and Collaborations

The **U.S.-Japan economic partnership** remains one of the world’s most significant bilateral relationships, characterized by deep trade integration, technological collaboration, and shared strategic interests. The **U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement** eliminates or reduces tariffs on approximately $7.2 billion in U.S. agricultural exports, opening Japanese markets to American producers and strengthening food security for both nations[8]. Ongoing trade consultations between top U.S. and Japanese officials reflect a commitment to resolving tariff issues and enhancing reciprocal market access, ensuring that the trade relationship remains dynamic and mutually beneficial[1].

A hallmark of the partnership is the **strategic collaboration in advanced technologies**. In 2024, the United States and Japan announced a landmark partnership for fusion energy, leveraging decades of joint research and development. This initiative brings together the U.S. Department of Energy and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to advance commercially viable fusion energy. The partnership focuses on harmonizing regulatory frameworks, developing resilient global supply chains, and fostering workforce skills in the fusion sector[2]. Both countries are also integral to the multinational ITER fusion project.

Beyond energy, the U.S. and Japan collaborate on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing their positions as global technology leaders. These efforts are underpinned by a long history of governmental, academic, and private sector linkages, making the **U.S.-Japan alliance a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic security**.

## USA-India: Ongoing Healthy Trade and Technological Partnerships

The **U.S.-India relationship** has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership, with trade and technology at its core. Despite ongoing challenges over reciprocity and market access-India maintains a $35 billion trade surplus with the U.S.-recent negotiations aim to establish a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade framework[3][9]. The **India-U.S. COMPACT** and ongoing talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) seek to open new markets for American goods, address unfair practices, and create opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries[3].

A defining feature of the partnership is the **emphasis on technology transfer and innovation**. The 2025 launch of the **US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative** marked a new era in bilateral collaboration. This initiative catalyzes government-to-government, academic, and private sector cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space[4]. The two countries are working together to build next-generation data centers, develop AI infrastructure, and ensure the security of sensitive technologies.

The **Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)** further deepens these ties, fostering a tech value chain partnership that leverages commercial synergies between Silicon Valley and India’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem[5]. American venture capital plays a significant role in Indian startups, while joint research initiatives in semiconductors, connected vehicles, and telecommunications are shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Despite differences in trade policy and regulatory approaches, the **U.S.-India partnership is central to the Indo-Pacific strategy and global technology supply chains**. This relationship is expected to grow, driven by shared interests in economic growth, innovation, and strategic stability[9].

## USA-South Korea: Ongoing Healthy Trade and Technology Partnerships

The **U.S.-South Korea alliance** is anchored in both security and economic cooperation, with trade and technology partnerships playing an increasingly prominent role. South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, is a critical U.S. trade partner, with ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhancing economic security, and fostering investment collaboration[6]. Recent discussions have focused on reaching a new trade agreement by July 2025, coinciding with the expiration of a U.S. tariff suspension, and ensuring sustainable, balanced trade that benefits both nations.

**Technology collaboration** is a key pillar of the alliance. The two countries have established frameworks for joint research and development in **artificial intelligence (AI)** and **quantum technologies**. The inaugural **US-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Dialogue** in December 2023 launched a bilateral AI working group, focusing on developing international standards, advancing joint research, and fostering policy interoperability[7]. While much of the current collaboration centers on standardization, the groundwork is being laid for deeper technological integration.

In quantum technology, the **Korea-US Quantum Technology Cooperation Center** in Washington, DC, serves as a hub for connecting research and commercialization efforts, supported by initiatives like the Entanglement Exchange, which facilitates researcher exchanges and international collaboration[7]. These partnerships are vital as both countries seek to maintain leadership in critical and emerging technologies.

South Korea’s commitment to revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable trade further underscores the **broad and evolving nature of the U.S.-South Korea economic relationship**[6].

## Additional Information Resources

For readers seeking further details and real-time updates on **U.S. trade and technology partnerships with Japan, India, and South Korea**, the following online resources offer comprehensive information:

- [Reuters: US, Japanese officials to start trade consultations](https://www.reuters.com/business/us-cedes-little-ground-key-tariffs-talks-with-japan-nikkei-says-2025-05-02/)

- [World Nuclear News: Japan and USA form strategic partnership for fusion](https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Japan-and-USA-form-strategic-partnership-for-fusio)

- [U.S. Trade Representative: Statement on Trade Negotiation Progress with India](https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/april/ambassador-greer-issues-statement-trade-negotiation-progress-india)

- [BioSpectrum India: US and India announce partnership to strengthen emerging technologies](https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/22/25681/us-and-india-announce-partnership-to-strengthen-emerging-technologies.html)

- [Observer Research Foundation: Tech cooperation defines India-US strategic alignment](https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/tech-cooperation-defines-india-us-strategic-alignment)

- [CNBC: South Korea calls for 'calm, orderly' talks with the U.S.](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/25/south-korea-calls-for-calm-orderly-discussion-in-us-trade-talks.html)

- [Korea Economic Institute of America: US-South Korea Cooperation on AI and Quantum Technology](https://keia.org/the-peninsula/canvasing-variations-in-us-south-korea-cooperation-on-ai-and-quantum-technology/)

- [U.S. Department of Commerce: Japan - Trade Agreements](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/japan-trade-agreements)

- [Council on Foreign Relations: India, the United States and the Future of the International Trade Order](https://www.cfr.org/article/india-united-states-and-future-international-trade-order)

---

## Conclusion

America’s sustained business ties with Japan, India, and South Korea are foundational to global trade, technology innovation, and economic security. These **strategic partnerships** continue to evolve, driven by shared interests, complementary strengths, and a mutual commitment to shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As trade negotiations progress and technology collaborations deepen, these relationships will remain central to America’s global economic strategy and technological leadership.

References:

[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/us-cedes-little-ground-key-tariffs-talks-with-japan-nikkei-says-2025-05-02/

[2] https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Japan-and-USA-form-strategic-partnership-for-fusio

[3] https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/april/ambassador-greer-issues-statement-trade-negotiation-progress-india

[4] https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/22/25681/us-and-india-announce-partnership-to-strengthen-emerging-technologies.html

[5] https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/tech-cooperation-defines-india-us-strategic-alignment

[6] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/25/south-korea-calls-for-calm-orderly-discussion-in-us-trade-talks.html

[7] https://keia.org/the-peninsula/canvasing-variations-in-us-south-korea-cooperation-on-ai-and-quantum-technology/

[8] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/japan-trade-agreements

[9] https://www.cfr.org/article/india-united-states-and-future-international-trade-order

[10] https://advocacy.calchamber.com/international/portals/south-korea/

[11] https://www.northerntrust.com/united-states/insights-research/2025/weekly-economic-commentary/us-japan-trade-negotiations

[12] https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/fact-sheets/2025/april/fact-sheet-us-india-establish-terms-reference-bilateral-trade-agreement

[13] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/24/south-korea-us-aim-for-package-deal-before-tariff-pause-ends-in-july-seoul-says.html

[14] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/japan-market-overview

[15] https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05/de3a050d81ef-update2-japan-us-hold-2nd-round-of-tariff-talks-with-focus-on-farm-sector.html

[16] https://iaicc.org/us-india-trade-relations-in-2025/

[17] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/south-korea-target-lower-tariffs-opening-round-us-trade-talks-2025-04-24/

[18] https://www.cbp.gov/trade/free-trade-agreements/japan

[19] https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/us-japan-move-closer-outline-trade-deal-source-says-2025-04-22/

[20] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/02/united-states-india-joint-leaders-statement/

[21] https://www.reuters.com/en/south-korea-us-aim-package-deal-before-tariff-pause-ends-july-seoul-says-2025-04-24/

[22] https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/fact-sheets/2019/september/fact-sheet-us-japan-trade-agreement

[23] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-must-japan-do-to-survive-trumps-global-trade-war/

[24] https://www.sourceofasia.com/us-tariffs-2025-how-south-korean-businesses-are-navigating-new-trade-barriers/

[25] https://ny-creates.org/ny-creates-and-jetro-announce-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-u-s-japan-collaboration-in-the-semiconductor-industry/

[26] https://www.link-assistant.com/news/japanese-seo.html

[27] https://2021-2025.state.gov/countries-areas/japan/

[28] https://www.uschamber.com/program/international-affairs/asia-program/us-japan-business-council

[29] https://www.humblebunny.com/check-list-japanese-keywords/

[30] https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5880.html

[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxDojcMscuM

[32] https://www.ulpa.jp/post/seo-for-japanese-websites-a-complete-guide

[33] https://www.csis.org/analysis/promise-us-japan-start-collaboration

[34] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/japan-trade-agreements

[35] https://carnegieendowment.org/events/2024/03/on-the-frontier-of-us-japan-tech-collaborations

[36] https://ralfvanveen.com/en/seo/differences-in-search-intent-between-countries/

[37] https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/06/fact-sheet-the-united-states-and-india-committed-to-strengthening-strategic-technology-partnership/

[38] https://backlinko.com/international-seo

[39] https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/why-a-us-trade-deal-wont-be-enough-for-india/

[40] https://www.csis.org/blogs/perspectives-innovation/strategic-convergence-us-india-innovation-partnership-0

[41] https://themartechsummit.com/martech-thoughts-oscar-scolding/

[42] https://www.vifindia.org/article/2025/april/The-Evolution-of-India-US-Trade-Relations

[43] https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2025/04/what-is-the-india-united-states-trust-initiative?lang=en

[44] https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/14wi31q/what_should_i_do_to_get_usa_traffic_on_my_indian/

[45] https://indianembassyusa.gov.in/pdf/menu/Brief_Bilateral_March_2025.pdf

[46] https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2024/09/us-india-tech-partnership-through-the-lens-of-us-export-controls?lang=en

[47] https://www.fastercapital.com/content/Technology-Transfer--FDI-and-Technology-Transfer--Accelerating-Innovation-Across-Borders.html

[48] https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-offers-slash-tariff-gap-by-two-thirds-dash-seal-trade-pact-with-trump-2025-05-09/

[49] https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/11/building-a-new-us-korea-technology-alliance-strategies-and-policies-in-an-entangled-world

[50] https://www.ranktracker.com/blog/a-complete-guide-for-doing-seo-in-korean

[51] https://itif.org/publications/2025/04/15/low-tariffs-arent-enough-korea-needs-to-remove-its-trade-barriers-with-us/

[52] https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/the-opportunity-for-south-korea-us-cooperation-in-ai-hardware-and-energy-needs/

[53] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138641812030001X

[54] https://2021-2025.state.gov/trade-agreements/south-korea-free-trade-agreement/

[55] https://keia.org/the-peninsula/the-united-states-and-south-korea-a-vital-economic-partnership-for-the-21st-century/

[56] https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/18/10027

[57] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/

[58] https://defensescoop.com/2024/10/30/us-south-korea-move-enhance-military-technology-partnerships/

[59] https://www.9dashline.com/article/the-rough-road-ahead-for-us-south-korea-relations-1

[60] https://advocacy.calchamber.com/international/trade/u-s-japan-trade-agreement/

[61] https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/south-central-asia/india

[62] https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta

[63] https://www.epiqglobal.com/en-us/resource-center/articles/handle-hyperlinks-current-future-ediscovery

[64] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/diplomacy-and-international-relations/japanese-trade-united-states

[65] https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10384

[66] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/south-korea-trade-agreements

[67] https://helpx.adobe.com/sign/using/sign-clickable-links.html

[68] https://aboutjapan.japansociety.org/content.cfm/the_abcs_of_the_us-japan_relationship

[69] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/india-trade-agreements

[70] https://www.trade.gov/us-korea-free-trade-agreement

[71] https://sample.usembassy.gov/writing-effective-link-text/

[72] https://www.thedigitalx.net/en/blog/seo-marketing-japan

[73] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-02/japan-s-akazawa-sees-trade-talks-with-us-gaining-steam-in-may

[74] https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/business/india-uk-trade-deal-tariffs-intl

[75] https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-us-finalise-terms-reference-first-phase-trade-deal-says-india-trade-2025-04-11/

[76] https://www.csis.org/analysis/us-rok-negotiations-opportunity-reset-trade-investment-and-technology

[77] https://inquivix.com/resources/complete-guide-digital-marketing-south-korea/

[78] https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11120

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USA - Asia Trade Relations to be robust over the long term

 The United States is poised to strengthen trade relations with top Asian economies, ensuring robust economic partnerships despite short-term challenges. As global trade dynamics evolve, the U.S. is strategically navigating complexities to bolster its position as a leading export hub while fostering mutual growth with key Asian markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

## **Overcoming Challenges in U.S.-Asia Trade Relations**

The U.S. faces hurdles in its trade relationships with Asian economies, including tariff disputes, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. For instance, the ongoing trade war with China has introduced significant tariffs on goods, impacting industries like technology and agriculture[3]. However, the U.S. is leveraging innovative trade policies and agreements to mitigate these issues and ensure long-term stability.

By addressing these challenges through diplomatic negotiations and targeted export strategies, the U.S. aims to unlock new opportunities in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and agriculture. These efforts align with the broader goal of maintaining the U.S.'s status as a global leader in international trade.

## **Key Strategies for Strengthening Trade Partnerships**

1. **Expanding Export Hubs**: The U.S. is focusing on creating export hubs that streamline logistics and reduce costs for businesses engaged in international trade. This approach enhances competitiveness in high-demand markets across Asia[1].

   2. **Promoting Export-Led Growth**: By prioritizing industries such as agriculture exports, technology products, and renewable energy solutions, the U.S. is positioning itself as a reliable partner for Asian economies seeking high-quality goods[1][2].

3. **Leveraging Long-Tail Keywords for Trade Visibility**: To optimize its digital presence in global markets, the U.S. is utilizing SEO strategies such as long-tail keywords like "international trade business," "export services," and "largest agricultural exporters." These keywords help connect American exporters with Asian buyers more effectively[2].

4. **Enhancing Trade Agreements**: Bilateral and multilateral agreements are being negotiated to reduce tariffs and foster seamless trade flows between the U.S. and Asian countries.

## **Opportunities in Key Sectors**

- **Technology Exports**: The demand for American tech products remains strong in Asia. By addressing supply chain challenges and investing in innovation, the U.S. can strengthen its foothold in this sector.

- **Agricultural Exports**: Asia's growing population drives demand for high-quality agricultural products like wheat, beef, and rice—areas where the U.S. excels[1].

- **Green Energy Solutions**: With Asia's increasing focus on sustainability, exporting renewable energy technologies presents a lucrative opportunity for American businesses.

## **Future Outlook**

Despite short-term challenges such as tariff disputes and geopolitical tensions, the future of U.S.-Asia trade relations looks promising. By focusing on export-led growth strategies, fostering innovation, and leveraging digital tools like SEO to enhance visibility in global markets, the United States is well-positioned to deepen its economic ties with top Asian economies.

Through strategic planning and collaboration, the U.S. aims to not only overcome current obstacles but also pave the way for a robust and sustainable trade ecosystem that benefits both American exporters and Asian partners alike.

Directory of International Business & Trade

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                      the entire directory                       only in Portals/Trade_Boards                               

Description

• Top
• :Business
• :International Business and Trade
• :Import and Export
• :Portals
• :Trade Boards (36)

---

• AaronAble Enterprise Service - Supplier and buyer linking service.
• Africa Trade - Bulletin Board that allows netizens from all over the globe to converse on trade-related topics.
• AllactionTrade - B2B marketplace offers trade opportunities for international buyers, sellers and manufacturers.
• Allproducts - Trade leads posted by companies and individuals from all over the world
• AsianNet Trade InfoCenter - A source of information which provides actual and potential traders with data about business and market opportunities. All listings in trade bulletins are free.
• Bizviet - Vietnam Free Trade Leads, where you can look for your business partners or post your trade offers to find out your business opportunities in the Vietnam market
• BusyTrade - Trade leads center, import export market place, buy sell bulletin board, trade opportunities, import/export information
• Czech Info Center - Bulletin board for a range of industries and products.
• Export 61 - Australian exporters, product catalogues, price lists, export services and useful links.
• Free Trade Front - Asia, America, Europe and Africa products for export and import in easy format.
• Handicraft Exchange - Provides a software platform to help your local business expand locally and internationally.
• Import - Export Bulletin Board - Bulletin board for use by traders and entrepreneurs looking for exchanging trade information and seeking business leads.
• Importers and Exporters of Auto and Transportation - Directory of trade lead messages organized by product category, in French and Spanish.
• IndiaMart - Import and export message board with business opportunities in all categories.
• Info-Business Trade - Business information system offers the opportunity to sell and buy from the manufacturers, suppliers and others on Bulgarian market.
• International Business Forum - Provides information about business opportunities in the international marketplace. It is intended for companies wishing to export or expand into foreign markets as well as for those interested to acquire products and services from other countries.
• JETC - International Trade Leads Management - An International Trade Leads Management site for manufacturers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, distributors, dealers, agents and service providers. Posting, viewing, collecting, editing and deleting of trade leads.
• MBendi - Designed to assist business-people to identify and research business opportunities in the country and industry sectors of their choice.
• Miriads B2B Portal - Business information and advertising, database of manufacturers, exporters and importers, free trade leads.
• Peach21 - Trading and promoting products made in Bucheon City, South Korea.
• Planet Business - A platform to find worldwide business partners among importers, exporters, traders and distributors.
• RusBiz - Built from the perspective of small and medium size companies with the necessary elements to run a real business online. It is a great place to start building your business connection with Russia and other former Soviet countries as well as East European countries.
• Seckin Net - Helps foreign companies that want to do business in Turkey.
• ShipLink - Ships for sale and purchasing. Free to post offers regarding boats for sale, used boats for sale, barges, tugboats, container ships, fishing boats, and oil tankers.
• Taiwan Commerce - Trade opportunities bulletin board, representing manufacturers of products and services in Asia.
• ThaiTradePoint Business Board - Established by northern E-commerce Resource Center, the pilot project of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Science Technology and Environment Ministry of Thailand.
• Trade Zone Suppliers Manufacturers Directory - Offers international trade business opportunities as well as import export trade leads and suppliers manufactures directory.
• TradeMatch - Assists companies to benefit from international trade opportunities through new markets, partners and customers overseas.
• VenExport - Venezuela based site with Trade Leads and Offers.
• Vorras Trade Leads - Provides space for international traders to list their buy/sell requests free of charge.
• Wood-me - Buyer and seller postings about wood, timber, lumber, wood processing machinery, tools, finishing materials and services.
• World Import Export Portal - Global B2B marketplace with trade leads, catalogs, free bulletin board.
• World Trade Exhibition - Meeting place for potential buyers and sellers of all kinds of products.
• World Trade Search - The Trading Zone where businesses may post products and services to be purchased or sold.
• Worldbid - Facilitates international trade by providing qualified import/export trade leads.
• Ypage BBS - A Free Bulletin Board for all international business people.

Obama leads in a landmark deal with many major Asian countries.

U.S
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — When President Barack Obama gathered his partners in a new trade deal to celebrate finalizing the massive accord, the group posed for a fast photo, shook some hands and got back to work.
Such is the nature of Obama's trade tour through Asia this week. Even as he marks a major milestone on the world stage, Obama is looking at a tough fight over ratification at home. No one is popping champagne corks.
"Execution is critical," Obama told the 11 other Pacific Rim leaders on Wednesday as they met for the first time since completing the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Obama urged the group ratify the deal as quickly as possible.
But more than any other nation, the U.S. is likely to drive the pace.
Trade legislation passed last summer prevents Obama from even formally signing the deal until January. Mandated studies and other procedural

Benefits of Foreign Trade Agreements

ree trade is refers to a trade policy that enables traders to transact or act without any interference from government. This particular policy allows mutual gains for trading partners from the trade of services and goods.

Under the FTA, the prices are a clear reflection of correct supply and demand meaning that they are the sole determinants of allocation of resources. Free trade is different from other trade policies in which the allocation of services and goods between trading countries is determined by simulated prices that might not represent the correct nature of the supply and demand. The artificial prices are usually the result of protective trade policies where governments interfere in the market by supply restrictions and price adjustments. These government interferences can decrease or increase the total costs of services and goods to both the producers and consumers. There are various benefits of FTA and the fundamentally  undeniable benefits of foreign trade agreements are :


A .  They promote competition and innovation.

It makes great economical sense to purchase goods from a company that specializes in producing them easily and at a much cheaper price. One exports in order to acquire services and goods in return. Free trade offers customers the best opportunities and the most choices to improve their living standards.

B.They generate long-term , sustained economic growth.


Through fostering opportunities, FTA rewards risk taking through increasing sales, market share and profit margins. Companies can opt to build on these profits through expanding their operations, producing better paying jobs and entering new sectors in the market. This helps to generate economic growth due to the expansion of these companies as well as the creation of new job opportunities.

2014 USA-Asia trade figures

2014 : U.S. trade in goods with Asia

NOTE: All figures are in millions of U.S. dollars  based on recorded documentation, not  including unreported transactions.

Month	Exports	Imports	Balance
January 2014	39,370.9	83,599.6	-44,228.7
February 2014	37,148.2	71,313.2	-34,165.0
March 2014	42,631.2	78,156.4	-35,525.1
April 2014	37,759.2	84,747.6	-46,988.4
May 2014	38,453.8	84,284.0	-45,830.2
TOTAL 2014	195,363.4	402,100.7	-206,737.4

TransPacificPartnerships-pros and cons

Discussion of the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will be a highlight of US President Barack Obama's visit to Thailand next week. But the government will have to seriously consider the pros and cons of the TPP, to ensure the regional trade agreement will improve Thailand's competitiveness and boost our capacity to enter the regional market.

The TPP is a proposed regional free-trade agreement being negotiated by the US and Asia-Pacific nations Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Mexico and six other countries.

The TPP is at the centre of the American trade-negotiating agenda as President Obama enters his second term. US businesses are looking for more opportunities to drive growth through external trade and other activities.

Washington has been preoccupied with financial problems as a consequence of the subprime crisis, but re-energised the TPP talks in 2010, with an increasing number of countries expressing interest in joining the talks. Washington says the TPP will further liberalise trade while the Doha Round of trade negotiations under the auspices of the World trade Organisation is delayed.

Asia has an increasingly affluent demographic. The US thus wants to level the field for American businesses in the region. However, there are cautionary words from some quarters in Thailand regarding downside effects of the agreement. The government therefore must communicate with all stakeholders to ensure public understanding of the issue. Otherwise the TPP talks could lead to political manipulation, with the content of the TPP being politicised. It would be unfortunate if the real essence of the talks is left out of the public debate.

In the mid-2000s Thailand engaged in disastrous bilateral trade talks with the US, which ultimately collapsed. Local non-governmental groups voiced concerns, over possible damage to pharmaceutical production, among other issues.