Australia’s post-Trump trade agenda: Making sense of limited options

The Trump Administration has shown a surprising amount of clarity on its intentions for trade policy in the Asia-Pacific. During the presidential campaign, Trump outlined a series of trade initiatives which, in comparison to other areas, were clear, specific and internally consistent. Unfortunately, the trade policies which Trump has promised are highly adverse. They threaten many Australian economic interests — in particular, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and good economic relations with China — while narrowing future trade policy options. Significant changes in Australia’s trade diplomacy, including a rapid reorientation towards Asia-led trade initiatives, will need to occur if Australia is to minimise the damage to its economy and its place in the region