Trump has delivered little on trade — and that's partially because of North Korea

pulse

November 8, 2017 9:18 PM

Trump has pulled back on criticizing China and South Korea on trade.

President Donald Trump made the debate over free trade one of the central topics of his campaign, focusing his ire on China, Mexico, and other trading partners.
But aside from leaving the TPP, he has delivered little on the trade front in the year since his election.
That's likely at least partially because the US needs the support of China and South Korea in the on-going North Korea crisis.

criticized China, Mexico, and Japan; once suggested putting a 45% tariff on Chinese imports; said he would declare China a currency manipulator on his first day in office; proposed taxing imports from Mexico; and argued in favor of ripping up trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Later when he stepped into office, he criticized Canada's trade practices and the US' trade agreement with South Korea, called KORUS, and called China the "grand champions" of currency manipulation.

However, Trump has delivered little on the trade front in the year since his election

The president himself implied as much in an interview with The Economist

Over the short term, it's unlikely that Trump will push either China or South Korea too hard on trade because of North Korea, Leather said But it's possible that he could reignite his protectionist rhetoric in the future.

"The bigger risks lie in the medium term. Trump has shown himself to be both unpredictable and volatile," Leather said. "Sooner or later it is possible that he will become tired of the North Korea issue, especially once it becomes clear to him how little leverage he has. If this happens, trade tensions with China or South Korea could easily flare up."

"What's more, a trade war with Mexico could prove a useful distraction if problems start to mount at home," he continued. "There is also the possibility that with midterm elections approaching next year, and having previously promised to get tough with China, Trump will want something to show his supporters."

Fears of a possible NAFTA collapse have also started to simmer again after the in October. sunset clause

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