Boris Johnson advocates for a zero-for-zero free trade zone between Europe and America, believing that post-Brexit Britain is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. He highlights the high tariffs on British cheese in the US as an example of the current trade barriers.
Johnson acknowledges challenges, such as US regulations on cheese production and UK prejudices against some American food. He suggests compromises and clear labelling as solutions. He also proposes opening up aviation cabotage and removing the 10% tariff on American cars in the UK.
Johnson points to China as the main source of trade war tensions with the US, criticizing China's trade practices: currency manipulation, closed markets, industrial espionage, and support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. He asserts that the current global chaos presents an opportunity to address these long-standing economic problems.
The author suggests that the best approach to the trade war with China is to leverage tariffs to drive positive change. This includes getting China to open its markets to Western services, thereby creating a more balanced and fair global trade system.
Ultimately, Johnson envisions Britain playing a pivotal role in fostering transatlantic free trade and resolving trade tensions with China, positioning the UK as a bridge-maker in the global economy.