The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a done deal, but not yet a reality. Its trade-opening provisions and high-level liberalization of behind-the-border rules must negotiate ratification processes in all 12 countries, including a potentially rocky passage through the U.S. Congress. But the agreement is unlikely to collapse; there are simply too many interest groups that stand to benefit from it. Whatever the deficiencies of the deal, its signatories are likely to conclude that they will be better off in than out.
While interest groups examine the detail of the 6,000-page draft and voice their complaints, it is time to look beyond the negotiations, assuming that the deal will be ratified and that a quorum will sign up. We should be thinking about the next steps to enhance the benefits.
