The final TPP roadblock lies in US presidential politics

AFTER years of negotiations and as part of the legislative process that is supposed to lead to Congressional approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, the White House released on Nov 5 the full text of President Barack Obama's accord with 11 Pacific nations.

 In conjunction with the release of the 30 chapters, side agreements and other attachments of the huge accord, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) notified Congress of the Obama administration's determination to get the pact approved by members of the Senate and the House in 90 days when they would have an opportunity to study the text of the TPP and debate it. This would lead eventually to the final vote on the legislation, which could occur as early as May.

 As expected, these steps have reinvigorated the foes of the largest trade agreement in history that brings together some of America's largest trade partners, including Japan, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, that account for 40 per cent of the world economy. The accord's foes are now ready for the final political battle over the TPP. Although most of the Democrats in Congress oppose the accord which Mr Obama regards as central to his legacy, the TPP deal enjoys wide support among Republican lawmakers, who will continue to control the Senate and the House for the rest of the president's term.