The RCEP and its consequences on international trade, the US-China trade war and the Asia-Pacific geopolitical scene

Treball Final de Grau en Economia. Codi: EC1049. Curs acadèmic: 2021/2022The Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) is the newest free trade agreement introduced in international trade. Led by China, the RCEP dismantles more than 90% of tariffs between its member states. Integrating 15 of the fastest growing economies in the world, this new trade deal is set to change the rules of international trade. The RCEP will stimulate China and its trade partners’ economy, aiming to finalize the United States current economic and political hegemony. Created as a response to the US-China trade war, this new FTA aspires to counteract its consequences on the Chinese economy, whilst debilitating US bilateral trade with Asian-Pacific countries. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the positive effect of the RCEP on China’s economy and analyze its consequences on US exports and the Asia-Pacific geopolitical scene