In a new #Eakinomics video, American Action Forum President Douglas Holtz-Eakin explains the strategic importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“[TPP is an important] piece of Geo-political strategy versus China. In the year 2000, the U.S. exported more than China to every TPP country except Vietnam. Last year, that was no longer the case. China exported more to 7 of those countries, and the U.S. only had 4: Mexico, Canada, Chile and Peru—all on this side of the Pacific.

TPP is important as a trade agreement, but it is even more important in securing our relationships in the Pacific Rim compared to those of China,” says Holtz-Eakin in the video.