Hasty deals could do little to solve major, long-running problems for the United States, like China’s financial support for its homegrown companies. And it could simply prompt some nations to pull back from the United States, rather than accede to demands that may be unpalatable back home. The United States is trying to conclude a rapid-fire series of them at a moment when the office of the United States trade representative is short-staffed for budgetary reasons. Many governments plan to challenge Mr. Trump’s trade actions at the World Trade Organization including Canada, which has already filed a sweeping trade case. Still, the South Korea examples offers a look at what Mr. Trump may be seeking by pressuring trading partners for quick deals.

Source: New York Times March 28, 2018 23:14 UTC