Weekly Geopolitical Report – The TTIP and the TPP (January 27, 2014)
by Bill O’Grady
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a trade and investment treaty being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and the U.S. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a similar pact being negotiated between the U.S. and various Pacific Rim nations in both the eastern and western hemisphere. If enacted, both these trade agreements will have significant geopolitical consequences.
In this report, we will begin by discussing the nations involved. We will examine overall details of the proposals, focusing on how they are different from traditional trade agreements. From there, an analysis of the controversy surrounding these proposals will be presented. A look at the geopolitical aims of each agreement will follow and the likelihood that these treaties will be enacted. As always, we will conclude with potential market ramifications.