Did Trump Get What He Wanted from Panama?
The relationship between the United States and Panama has been a complex one, with various political and economic interests at play. One of the most significant events in this relationship was the signing of the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) in 2011. The agreement was seen as a major victory for then-President Barack Obama, but what about President Donald Trump? Did he get what he wanted from Panama?
Trade and Economic Interests
One of the primary goals of the PTPA was to enhance trade and economic relations between the United States and Panama. Under the agreement, American businesses gained access to the Panamanian market, and Panamanian companies were able to export goods and services to the United States without facing tariffs or quotas. This was a significant achievement for both countries, but did Trump benefit from this arrangement?
Trump’s Approach
During his presidency, Trump often emphasized the importance of fair trade and the need to renegotiate trade agreements that he believed were unfavorable to the United States. With this in mind, it is worth examining whether the PTPA aligned with his vision for trade. While Trump did not openly criticize the PTPA, he did express concerns about trade deficits and the impact of trade agreements on American jobs.
Impact on the United States
Despite Trump’s concerns, the PTPA seemed to have a positive impact on the United States. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the agreement has led to increased trade between the two countries, with American exports to Panama growing by 50% from 2011 to 2019. This suggests that the agreement helped to boost the American economy and create jobs.
Domestic and International Politics
However, the PTPA also faced criticism from various domestic and international groups. Some argued that the agreement was not enough to address the trade imbalance between the United States and Panama, while others expressed concerns about the environmental and labor standards in Panama. Despite these criticisms, the agreement remained in place during Trump’s presidency.
Trump’s Legacy
In the end, it appears that President Trump did get what he wanted from Panama, at least in terms of maintaining the PTPA and ensuring that the agreement continued to benefit the United States. While the agreement may not have been perfect, it did help to promote trade and economic growth between the two countries. Whether this is a lasting legacy for Trump remains to be seen, but it is clear that the PTPA played a significant role in shaping the U.S.-Panama relationship during his presidency.
