Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Faces Challenges Amid Trump's Trade Strategy
Indo-Pacific trade pact losing relevance under Trump’s aggressive strategy: GTRI
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), involving 14 nations including India and the US, is becoming less relevant due to former President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies. The framework aims to enhance economic cooperation but struggles against Trump's high tariffs and unilateral trade tactics.
- 01The IPEF was launched on May 23, 2023, and includes 14 member countries.
- 02Trump's trade policies, characterized by high tariffs and bilateral agreements, undermine the IPEF's cooperative goals.
- 03India has opted out of the trade pillar due to concerns over digital trade commitments.
- 04The Supply Chain Resilience Agreement aims to diversify sourcing away from China but faces structural challenges.
- 05India's role as Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council highlights its involvement in enhancing supply chain reliability.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), launched on May 23, 2023, in Tokyo, includes 14 member countries such as India, the United States, and Australia. This grouping represents 40% of global GDP and 28% of global trade. However, a report from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) indicates that the IPEF is losing relevance under former President Donald Trump's aggressive trade strategy, which emphasizes high tariffs and bilateral deals rather than cooperative frameworks. The IPEF comprises four pillars: Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy, with India participating in three but abstaining from the Trade pillar due to concerns over digital trade regulations. The Supply Chain Resilience Agreement, effective from February 24, 2024, aims to enhance supply chain reliability and reduce dependency on a few countries, particularly China. Despite some manufacturing moving to countries like India and Vietnam, deeper supply chain layers remain reliant on China, reflecting the challenges of replicating its established ecosystem. For India to benefit from the IPEF, it must focus on domestic reforms and improving its industrial competitiveness.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The evolving trade dynamics under the IPEF may influence India's manufacturing sector, potentially positioning it as an alternative hub but requiring significant domestic reforms.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe the IPEF can succeed despite the challenges posed by aggressive trade policies?
Connecting to poll...
More about Global Trade Research Initiative
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





