The Indicator from Planet Money Are Trump's trade deals the real deal?
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May 29, 2025 The podcast dives into the complexities of trade negotiations under Trump, featuring insights from a former negotiator. It questions the substance of touted trade deals, using 'Deal or No Deal' as a metaphor for evaluating agreements with the UK and China. The conversation highlights the importance of detailed commitments and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Finally, it examines how recent trade agreements may lack clarity, impacting their effectiveness and the sustainability of these relationships.
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Emotional Control in Trade Negotiations
- Wendy Cutler shares how trade negotiators control emotions under high-pressure negotiations.
- Mind games and attempts to anger negotiators are common tactics used by counterparts.
Commitments Define True Trade Deals
- Strong trade deals contain detailed commitments expressly outlining obligations.
- Current US-UK and US-China deals mostly express intentions, resembling frameworks for future negotiations.
Dispute Settlement Lacks Strength
- Effective trade agreements include clear dispute resolution mechanisms.
- The current US deals with UK and China lack strong mechanisms, offering only weak dispute settlement provisions.