ISDS Case Map
CPTPP
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
There is an intuitive appeal to the geopolitical use of trade agreements. But quickly scanning the two main bilateral trade deals the US has signed over the past decade in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia and South Korea, it is hard to see much strategic impact.
The two countries are at odds over market access for dairy products. While New Zealand seeks to increase its exports of cheese, butter and milk among other goods, Japan says such products are off-limits.
Japan, the world’s largest pork importer, can accept a 50 percent reduction in import tariffs to help pave the way for the nation to reach an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a producer group said.
Australia's primary negotiator on medicines for the US-Australia FTA, Dr Ruth Lopert, warns that the TPP could force the Australian Government to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidise medicines.
Australian television report pits Trade Minister Robb's words about TPP against public interest concerns over medecine prices, internet freedom, standards, etc.
The Abbott Government can still refine or reject parts of the deal that aren't in the public interest; but without public pressure, there's little hope of hearing about, much less putting a stop to, the devil in the detail.
Chief negotiators in Trans-Pacific Partnership talks failed to iron out differences over the last week, with intellectual property protection on medicines and environmental protection being key stumbling blocks.
The US Ambassador Lippert has sent a letter to the Korean Minister of Food and Drug Safety requesting protection of biologics under the patent linkage system. He also confirmed that the US seeks the same protection in TPP.
Dozens of major labor unions plan to freeze campaign contributions to members of Congress to pressure them to oppose fast-track trade legislation sought by President Barack Obama , according to labor officials.
The TPP would displace 1.2 million workers across Mexico and the Caribbean and nearly 170,000 in the US, according to Mary O’Rourke, an industry analyst.
