TPP Could Expand Eventually

The Trans-Pacific Partnership currently has 12 countries signed on to the agreement, but it was never mean to be only those nations.

Chief U.S. Agricultural Negotiator Darci Vetter said it was set up with the intention of expansion.

“Once that core was active, once TPP was passed and enforced, other countries would be welcome to join. We would be the magnet for the region.”

The agreement still must be signed and there are roadblocks in both the U.S. and Japan the two key countries in the agreement.

But Vetter said there is a lot of interest in joining.

“Eight countries have called Ambassador Froman, our trade representative, to say when are you taking new entrants. So we know this magnetic effect is already happening. Countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea have all asked when the succession procedures begin.”

Congress is likely not taking up a vote on the TPP until November at the earliest, though  many in the agricultural world are pushing for a vote sooner.