When the US started pushing higher barriers on trade, other countries stepped up. They came together to create more trade alliances. So with the new protectionism from within the US, trade has gone out of its usual track.

In the past few months, the European Union especially has been busy. It finished three new trade deals. It agreed to a big one with four South American countries. This deal covers 850 million people. Something like that doesn't happen overnight.  The talks for this deal actually started more than 2 decades ago.

Not long after that South American deal, the EU agreed to another one with Switzerland. This trade agreement will also help improve trade relations. Then as if that wasn't enough, they strengthened their existing arrangements with Mexico. Don't forget that it's not just Europe. It's a big network of countries having deals with others, trade isn't about just one region any more.

The European Union has been very clear about its approach.  It just wants to trade things that are fair and clear.  This means no secrecy. No hidden agendas. They’re setting a new example for large trade alliances. So while the US was changing the rules of the game, the allies have come together to make the game even more interesting.  Countries are looking at the US and seeing newer and bigger trade alliances happening which your country isn't part of.  Some countries are moving on to new opportunities.

This isn't just about trade deals; it's about the bigger picture. The European Union is focusing on keeping everything transparent and fair while the world moves towards a future where the US trade is excluded.

There are a lot of countries who want to trade. They want to do it in a way that benefits both sides. This might be a tough world for US to navigate.

The president of the European Union Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, said in a meeting at the World Economic Forum "We play by the rules and we have no hidden strings attached with our deals".

Trading doesn't mean just selling and buying products or selling services. It's about finding a fair way to do business with others. This is the new way of doing trade.  It's about being a part of bigger networks.

It's a big world and there are lots of things to trade.  In the end, it's about what's best for everyone. So while the US may have its own way of doing things, other countries are creating new paths.  In many ways, it's like everyone is trying to find the best way to trade.  It's not easy.  But it is the way for the future.

Allies Team Up on New Trade Deals

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