Queue forming as nations lining up to sign trade pacts with post-Brexit Britain - Thomas Lifson

by Thomas Lifson

Quite contrary to Obama’s prediction, there is a bit of a land rush underway as trading powers are eager to negotiate trade deals with the fifth largest economy in the world

President Obama’s infamous remark that Britain would go to the “back of the queue” in negotiating trade deals if it voted for Brexit has rank among the most foolish diplomatic initiatives in presidential history. Not only did it spark resentment in Britain that helped the Brexit vote, it is turning out to spectacularly incorrect. Quite contrary to Obama’s prediction, there is a bit of a land rush underway as trading powers are eager to negotiate trade deals with the fifth largest economy in the world, now liberated from its continental overlords. The UK Express reports:

Australia, Canada, South Korea, India and Mexico are all understood to be keen to get around the negotiating table as soon as possible and American politicians are also eager to strike a deal.

In an effort to overcome Obama’s ineptness:

US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan is calling for urgent talks on new trade agreements to ensure “a smooth” relationship after Brexit, despite the warnings from President Barack Obama that Britain would go the back of the queue in the event of a leave vote.
Mr Ryan, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and one of the party’s most senior politicians, said: “Obviously it takes time to do something like this but I think it is something we should be working on.
“We should begin discussions with Great Britain to ease concerns so that we do have a smooth trade relationship with Great Britain, because they are our indispensable ally.”

With its trade ties to its Commonwealth, and its history as a global trader, Britain is a very attractive partner for trade negotiations. The real problem it may face in the near future is finding enough experienced negotiators to handle all the discussions that lie ahead.

Hat tip: Clarice Feldman

Thomas Lifson

Source: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/07/queue_forming_as_nations_lining_up_to_sign_trade_pacts_with_postbrexit_britain.html

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