Biden’s Reluctant Approach to Free Trade Draws Backlash

Joe Biden, the current President of the United States, has been drawing backlash for his reluctant approach to free trade. Unlike his predecessor, Donald Trump, Biden has not been outright hostile to trade deals, however, he has been cautious in his approach, which has not gone unnoticed by some trade experts.

Biden has stated that his administration will focus on domestic policies that create jobs and improve the economic well-being of the American people. However, his administration’s recent actions regarding trade have left some experts scratching their heads. One such action was the decision to maintain tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from China and other countries despite calls from the World Trade Organization to lift them.

This decision has angered some of America’s trading partners, who have been quick to criticize the move. They argue that these tariffs hurt global trade and make it difficult for U.S. businesses to compete overseas.

While the move may have pleased a few U.S. companies that rely on these industries, economists see these tariffs as protectionist and argue that such policies will not benefit the broader economy in the long run.

Biden’s reluctance to embrace free trade has also been on display in his administration’s handling of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP was a trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and would have created a massive trading bloc between the United States and eleven other countries, representing roughly 40% of the world’s economy.

Despite his past support for the TPP, Biden has made it clear that he has no plans to re-join the agreement. Instead, he has opted to focus on other trade deals, most notably with China.

This approach has not gone unnoticed by trade experts who see it as a missed opportunity to strengthen the U.S. economy and expand its influence in the global marketplace. They argue that the TPP would have given the United States greater access to foreign markets and increased its competitiveness on the world stage.

Biden’s reluctance to embrace free trade has also been criticized by some members of his own party. Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the leading voices in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has been an outspoken critic of free trade deals, arguing that they have hurt American workers and contributed to income inequality.

However, even she has been critical of Biden’s reluctance to engage in free trade negotiations. In a recent op-ed, she wrote, “We cannot afford to sit idly by while other nations negotiate trade deals that disadvantage American workers and enterprises.”

Biden’s cautious approach to trade is not without its reasons. He is keenly aware of the concerns of American workers who have seen their jobs disappear due to globalization and free trade. His administration has pledged to prioritize domestic job creation, and he is wary of any trade policies that could undermine those efforts.

Furthermore, his administration faces numerous challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, a struggling economy, and geopolitical tensions with China. With so much on his plate, Biden may not have the bandwidth to devote significant resources to trade negotiations at this time.

However, critics argue that the United States cannot afford to ignore the global economic landscape. With emerging markets in Asia and Africa, increased competition from China and other countries, and the rise of digital trade, the United States must remain engaged in the global marketplace to maintain its economic relevance.

Biden will have to strike a delicate balance between protecting American workers and engaging in the global economy. As president, it is his responsibility to ensure that U.S. companies can compete in the global marketplace while safeguarding the interests of American workers.

Despite the criticism, Biden has taken some steps to engage in free trade negotiations. His administration is currently in talks with the United Kingdom over a trade deal, and they have signaled an interest in re-engaging with the World Trade Organization.

However, his cautious approach to trade has left some experts concerned about the United States’ standing in the global marketplace. With China’s growing influence, the United States must remain vigilant and engaged in the global economy if it hopes to maintain its position as a global economic leader.

In conclusion, while the Biden administration’s cautious approach to free trade may be understandable given the current climate, it has drawn criticism from trade experts who argue that the United States must remain engaged in the global marketplace to maintain its economic relevance. Biden will have to strike a delicate balance between protecting American workers and engaging in the global economy to ensure that U.S. companies can compete in the global marketplace while safeguarding the interests of American workers.