Trade with Asia (TPP)

The issue of international trade has dominated headlines in recent years, with Democrats split over the benefits of free trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

By Megan Duzor | VOA News

FILE — Asia World port terminal seen in Yangon December 8, 2015. (Reuters)

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a free trade agreement negotiated by former U.S. President Barack Obama, however, the deal was never ratified by the U.S. Congress because it lacked support from lawmakers. The agreement, which was eventually ratified by 11 countries, eliminated trade barriers between Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Brunei. Obama had argued that the deal was a way to counter the influence of China, while opponents said it would hurt American workers.

Would you seek to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

Yes

Yes but first re-negotiate

Unclear

President Donald Trump’s position: During his first week in office, President Donald Trump carried out a campaign pledge to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. During the presidential campaign, he said, “the Trans-Pacific Partnership is another disaster done and pushed by special interests who want to rape our country.”

Public opinion

Do you agree or disagree with President Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

27%

Disagree

56%

Agree

17%

Not sure

56%

27%

Agree

Disagree

Agree

56%

27%

Disagree

Source: Rasmussen Reports poll (published January 2017)