WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast

By COGwriter

On December 7, 2013, for the first time ever, the World Trade Organization (WTO) reached an agreement. In the past couple of years, there have been various meetings working on an agreement between the USA and Europe called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). And there are others like TISA. What are these agreements all about?

Will they stop a trade war?

Could any of these agreements lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach?

A video of interest may be: Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass.

World Trade Organization Reaches an Agreement

The Bible itself is not against trade or trading. Jesus, Himself, endorsed it (Luke 19:15-26). But that does not mean that all trade or trade agreements are good.

For the first time since its formation in 1995, on God’s day of rest from carnal business, the World Trade Organization got its first trade agreement:

December 7, 2013

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The World Trade Organization reached its first ever trade reform deal on Saturday to the roar of approval from nearly 160 ministers who had gathered on the Indonesian island of Bali to decide on the make-or-break agreement that could add $1 trillion to the global economy…

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“For the first time in our history, the WTO has truly delivered,” a tearful WTO chief Roberto Azevedo said.”This time the entire membership came together. We have put the ‘world’ back in World Trade Organization,” he said.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/26999663.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to say for the first time in our history the WTO has truly delivered,” WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said during the closing session of the Bali ministerial meeting. “This package is not an end. It’s a beginning. As a consequence of our progress here, we’ll now be able to move forward on the other areas of our work that have been stalled for so long.”

“With the Bali Package, you have reaffirmed not just your commitment to the WTO but also to the delivery of the Doha Development Agenda. The decisions we have taken here are important stepping stones towards the completion of the Doha Round, and it is very welcome that you have instructed us within the next 12 months a clearly defined work program to this end.”

Shortly after Azevedo’s comments, other trade leaders began to make their own celebratory sounds.

“We finally have a deal,” EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said in a tweet.

“We have negotiated a package that will bring food security to billions of the world’s poorest,” Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said Saturday. “We have delivered an agreement on trade facilitation that will inject up to $1 trillion into the world economy. We have agreed a groundbreaking suite of initiatives to help least-developed countries benefit more from the multilateral trading system.

“We have agreed there is a need to change the World Trade Organization’s agreement on agriculture, which will take time. In the interim period, the decision we have taken here in Bali will allow developing countries to avoid disputes over their legitimate food security programs.”  http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/wto-edges-closer-to-deal-on-bali-package-100783.html#ixzz2mlNEvutq

December 7, 2013

BALI, Indonesia (AP) — A deal to boost global trade has been approved by the World Trade Organization’s 159 member economies for the first time in nearly two decades, keeping alive the possibility that a broader agreement to create a level playing field for rich and poor countries can be reached in the future…

The idea behind the WTO is that if all countries play by the same trade rules, then all countries, rich or poor, will benefit.

But some critics say WTO rules may hinder countries from setting their own priorities in environmental protection, worker rights, food security and other areas. And they say sudden reductions in import tariffs can wipe out industries, causing job losses in rich and poor countries.

Oxfam welcomed the breathing space on food subsidies given to poor countries but said the agreement, and the move to simplify customs in particular, was “no game changer” overall.

“Its gains have been grossly overestimated, while the costs of implementation for poorer countries were completely ignored,” the aid and development group said in a statement.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/07/deal-to-boost-global-trade-reached-at-wto-summit/3901961/

If the promises of this deal were to come to pass, every person on the planet will be expected to gain nearly fifty US cents per day for every day (almost 1/2 of 1 USA dollar per day). And while that may not seem to be much of an increase for Westerners, this would be a huge increase for many in many parts of Africa, Asia, the various islands, and elsewhere. However, as I wrote years ago, I do not believe that this agreement will truly “create a level playing field for rich and poor countries,” but remain hopefully poorer countries and the people in them will truly benefit.

The USA and Europe Worked on TTIP

One trade deal, called TTIP, was supposed to be betwen the USA and Europe.

Here is a BBC report about it:

May 13, 2015

What is TTIP and what is it for?

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or it will be if the negotiations are completed. The aim is to boost the economies of the EU and the US by removing or reducing barriers to trade and foreign investment.

President Obama said, when the talks were launched, that TTIP would promote “new growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic”. Critics reject that claim…

How would TTIP work?

By eliminating almost all tariffs (taxes applied only to imported goods) on trade between the US and the EU.

But the tariffs imposed by the US and EU are already relatively low for the most part, although there are some exceptions in, for example, farm produce and textiles.

The bigger gains envisaged would come from reducing what are called non-tariff barriers. In particular the two sides think they can promote trade through what they call regulatory co-operation. …

Why is TTIP controversial?

Regulation

Much of the concern is about the regulatory aspect: that it would lead to lower standards of consumer and environmental protection and safety at work. A group of 170 European civil society organisations said in a statement that regulatory co-operation as envisaged in TTIP would result in “downward harmonisation”. …

What is the timetable?

A summit of European leaders in December called for a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2015.

That will be challenging, given the technical complexity and the vigorous opposition. It would then have to be approved by the US Congress, European Trade Ministers (voting by what is called qualified majority) and the European Parliament.  http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32691589

The TTIP deal was hoped strengthen the economies of the European Union and the USA (for a time), while having the effect of reducing China’s growing influence to some degree.

Notice something else about Europe:

U.S.-E.U. pact could redefine global trade standards

Recently, the United States and the EU have embarked on an ambitious new venture with the potential to reshape our relationship and redefine the nature of global commerce. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) aims to eliminate many remaining barriers to trade between America and the EU, and if structured properly will help to spur a new wave of economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. 07/04/13 http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/312847-us-eu-pact-could-redefine-global-trade-standards#ixzz2cc4jQJ4t

4 February 2021

Despite its long list of crises in recent years - including the most recent vaccine snafu - the European Union has become a global pacesetter. Its laws and regulations have established global norms. This has made the bloc a 21st century model. ... despite everything, the European Union is in fact a world power ...

China is already having to defer to Europe's ideas and regulations in many areas. For not only is the EU an economic superpower, it is now also the No. 1 global regulator. ...

Technology companies in California build their devices according to EU regulations. Cocoa producers in Ghana and Ecuador are transforming their operations to meet European standards. In Argentina, Israel and Russia, plaintiffs are suing internet companies and invoking the "right to be forgotten” that was formulated in the EU. Regional blocs of countries in South America are organizing themselves along the lines of the EU. Laws drafted in Europe are adopted almost verbatim into national law in countries around the world.

Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Subway and Wendy’s are taking chemical additives out of their products because the EU doesn’t allow them. The Brazilian company Citrosuco, the world’s largest producer of orange juice, strictly adheres to European regulations, even in countries where they do not apply. Adidas, Nike, and Zara are changing the composition of the plastic in sneakers around the world to make less toxic, EU-compliant goods. It’s a tremendous list, and it is very long. ...

Europe's view of data protection, as laid out in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has quickly become a global standard that no company and no country can ignore. Google alone claims it was forced to spend "hundreds of years of human time” to comply with the Brussels regulations, but it did so nonetheless. ...

These examples lead to the equally unbelievable and correct conclusion that globalization today is actually a "Europeanization" – and this was not written in EU advertising brochures, but in Britain’s Economist, the must-read newspaper of laissez-faire capitalists.

A global player like today's Europe has never existed in this form in the history of the world. By regulating the affairs of its internal market step by step, the EU is formulating globally effective standards along the way.

Whether it's chemicals, hazardous waste, hormone-treated meat, electronic waste, emissions standards, animal testing, antitrust, privacy, crop protection, competition or air pollution control – the EU is always somehow already there. It sets standards and criteria worldwide based on scientific findings and equipped with recognized scientific, legal and also moral competence – even in areas where, by law, it would actually have no say. https://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/from-brussels-to-the-rest-of-the-world-how-europe-became-a-model-for-the-21st-century-a-1fa5e710-7e18-4ad5-a0be-e26118f3a22f

The USA is relatively soon going to find itself in a position that it is more tied to the EU standards than its citizens want and this will make things difficult for leaders in the USA to be able to deal with the military threat that is starting to rise up in Europe. This combined with the fact that under Barack Obama the USA basically agreed to release most of its espionage tactics and details to the EU and has basically pledged to do less spying on the EU is putting the USA in a position that it will ultimately be able to be taken over by the EU (see The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA and watch Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?).

The Bible is clear (Daniel 11:39) that the nation with the strongest fortresses (strongest military) will be taken over by the final European King of the North.

Because of US espionage, etc. many in Germany have protested TTIP:

Thousands Rally in Germany Against US-EU Trade Deal

April 18, 2015

Thousands of people across Germany demonstrated Saturday against a planned free-trade deal between Europe and the United States.

The protests, billed as a "Global Day of Action," came ahead of a new round of talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, beginning Monday in New York.

Opposition to the agreement centers on concerns it will lower food and other safety standards.

In Germany, it also reflects rising anti-Americanism. The sentiments have been fueled in part by revelations of U.S. spying, including the wiretapping of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cellphone.

President Barack Obama has said the deal will help grow the U.S. and European Union economies, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, increasing exports, and decreasing trade and investment barriers.

On Friday, he called for the negotiations to move forward. http://www.voanews.com/content/thousands-rally-in-germany-against-us-eu-trade-deal/2725194.html

The USA itself has not proceeded as quickly on TTIP as many EU leaders would prefer.

Setback for TTIP as Congress holds on to trade powers

May 13, 2015

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration is pressing hard to win approval of controversial trade legislation in Congress, as

A fast conclusion to talks between the EU and US on a trade deal became less likely Tuesday, after US senators refused to give president Barack Obama the power to negotiate on their behalf.

Obama had wanted the green-light to fasttrack negotiations and needed the support of 60 out of 100 senators.

But the Trade Promotion Authority bill failed to pass with 52 senators voting in favour, and 45 against.

If the bill had been passed, Congress would have given away its right to amend international trade deals for the next five years and limited the legislature’s influence to a yes/no vote.

Remarkably, Obama’s support came mostly from Republicans, with only one Democrat voting in favour.

The vote means the US Congress keeps its power to amend or filibuster any trade deals the president agrees on, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

The European Commission, for its part, has been promoting the trade deal, which would remove custom duties and harmonise EU-US regulations and standards.

It expects TTIP to increase EU economic growth by €119 billion a year. https://euobserver.com/economic/128695

The powers that be in the European Union want a deal and are not thrilled by how the USA has been handling this. Europe is getting increasingly frustrated with what it sees as a dysfunctional USA government.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg mentioned trade and TTIP when he spoke at the Rhodes Forum 2015. He said he was not opposed to all free trade agreements, but he had issues with the TTIP (Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg at the Rhodes Forum 2015. Published on Dec 22, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIB_EJN2Ek&feature=youtu.be). My suspicion is that he will one day feel that the USA has betrayed Europe on trade and this will greatly offend him. More on him can be found in the article Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?

With the election of US President Donald Trump, Europe has more and more acted like it should lead world trade. Here is something from the German press:

25 June 2017

The EU also wants to take the lead in maintaining free trade around the world, which member states see threatened by the protectionist tendencies of US President Donald Trump. http://www.dw.com/en/the-east-west-divide-in-the-eu-deepens/a-39403028

Europe is interested in trade deals, and will make them whether or not the USA is party to them.

The European Union is working to reform trade rules:

June 26, 2018

BEIJING — As Washington and Beijing teeter on the brink of a possible trade war, the European Union and China have agreed to launch a working group to promote reform at the World Trade Organization. The move is part of an effort to upgrade the global trade system’s toolbox and ward off growing threats to the multilateral trade system and body.

According to a top EU official, the reform group would look at ways to modernize regulations and address the problem of state subsidies and other unfair trade practices.

How willing a participant Beijing will be in that effort is unclear as most of the EU’s proposed upgrades are connected to unfair trade measures, practices and policies that exist in China. …

European Union Vice President Jyrki Katainen admits that the effort to try and promote reform of WTO rules will not be easy. …

The European Union wants the reform effort to address issues such as industrial subsidies and unfair trade practices such as the forced transfer of technology in exchange for market access.

“The two issues together are some of the reasons why, not the only reasons but some of the reasons why the president of the United States is taking unilateral action,” Katainen said, adding that the issue instead has to be solved in an orderly manner.

The basic idea is to update the WTO so that it is better suited to the current realities of the modern world, he said.

“The EU is not siding with any party or any country, the only thing we are siding with is rules-based trade,” Katainen said. https://www.voanews.com/a/eu-china-work-together/4454868.html

Brussels – The global trade war is about to get worse, as the rules-based system of international commerce is poised to revert to an environment where the strong impose their will upon the weak, according to an internal memo circulated among European Union governments. …

The internal document, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg, singles out three main drivers of the upcoming trade apocalypse:

• Gaps in the rulebook of global trade “leading to distortions, many of which associated with non-market policies and practices in major trading nations, that the WTO does not seem able to address adequately”
• Aggressive unilateral actions by the US targeting allies and foes alike with punitive tariffs
• The US’s decision to block appointments of members to the World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body that serves as the final arbiter in trade disputes.

“As more appellate body members leave office while the new appointments are being blocked, the dispute settlement system will soon fall into paralysis, rendering enforcement of the rules impossible,” the commission says in its memo circulated ahead of this week’s summit of EU leaders to discuss trade, among other topics. “That would equate to a 20-year step backward in global economic governance.”

The EU, which shares some of the US concerns about shortcomings in the global trade order, is developing proposals to revamp WTO rules, as it seeks to save it from what is sees as an all but certain demise.

At their June 28-29 meeting in Brussels, the leaders of the world’s largest trading bloc, will invite “the commission to propose a comprehensive approach to improving, together with like-minded partners, the functioning of the WTO in crucial areas,” according to a draft of their joint statement also obtained by Bloomberg. https://www.fin24.com/Economy/World/eu-said-to-see-trade-apocalypse-nearing-as-it-seeks-wto-revamp-20180624

The global trade war is about to get worse, as the rules-based system of international commerce is poised to revert to an environment where the strong impose their will upon the weak, according to an internal memo circulated among European Union governments.

The disputes between the U.S. and its closest trading partners are set to escalate “in the coming months, as more unilateral measures are threatened and imposed, leading, in some cases, to countermeasures, or to mercantilist deals,” according to the memo drafted by the European Commission, which manages trade policy for the entire bloc. …

Our world will go back “to a trading environment where rules are only enforced where convenient and where strength replaces rules as the basis for trade relations,” according to the memo. … The internal document, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg, singles out three main drivers of the upcoming trade apocalypse: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-24/eu-said-to-see-trade-apocalypse-nearing-as-it-seeks-wto-revamp

To avert a ‘trade apocalypse,’ Europe wants to rewrite the rules for international trade. That is consistent with warnings in the Book of the Apocalypse, more commonly referred to these days as the Book of Revelation. That book teaches:

2 … Babylon … 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. (Revelation 18:2,3)

The above is referring to the fact that nations of the world are prophesied to get wealthy trading with end time Babylon, which will be a European entity, that will have religious ties to the City of Seven Hills–the Church of Rome:

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” (Revelation 17:1-2)

9 Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. … 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:9,18)

As far as ties between the Church of Rome and Europe, notice, for one example, something that happened:

Pope Francis met President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, this morning June 26, 2018.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office this morning noting their discussions were cordial, it stressed that the parties evoked the good existing relations between the Holy See and France, further strengthened by the bilateral Accord signed in Cotonou on Oct. 21, 2016.

“The contribution of religions to the promotion of the common good of the country, with particular reference to the commitment of the Church,” it said, was highlighted. https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-receives-french-president-emmanuel-macron/

The Bible tells of a trading power arising in Europe that is tied to the City of Seven Hills.

One of the ways that this Babylonian European power will be able to dominate world trade is by developing/writing/controlling many of the rules for international trade.

Europe is intending to do that right now! With more and more of the world upset by US President Donald Trump, Europe is seizing an opportunity–an opportunity that will result in it fulfilling various end time prophecies.

In December 2017, I warned in my article (and sermon 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018), 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018, that trade was an area to watch. In 2018, it certainly has been.

Europe is now even using the term ‘trade apocalypse.’

Trade will be a factor in what can be called World War III.

As far as trade and our prophetic teachings go, here is a link to our video: Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass.

Europe Working on Trade Deals with Canada (CETA) and Others

The Europeans have been busily trying to improve trade with Canada:

On 18 October 2013, EU and Canada have reached a political agreement on the key elements of a trade agreement (CETA). The agreement will remove over 99% of tariffs between the two economies and create sizeable new market access opportunities in services and investment. At a later stage, the agreement will need to be approved by the Council and the European Parliament.

Negotiations were launched in May 2009 and the content of the CETA and its general modalities were agreed in June 2009. http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/canada/

Of course, it is not just the USA and Canada that the Europeans have been making deals with. In addition various ones in Asia, the EU has been active in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and pretty much everywhere it can be. And while the EU currently has 28 nations in its block, it has recently agreed to try to get two more countries, and it wants more (see also Georgia and Moldova sign up to join European Union, Ukraine does not).

The EU has been working for years to develop various standards for manufacturing and manufactured goods. Many of the "standards" of the European Union will be adopted by nearly all of the countries of the world.

EU wants rest of world to adopt its rules

The above standards and developments will help the stage for the EU to fulfill many prophecies. Yet not all will like this.

Notice also the following:

March 2, 2016

Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Wednesday for Germany to play a bigger role in world affairs, resisting domestic pressure for the country to turn in on itself in the face of the migrant crisis.

Campaigning for her Christian Democrats (CDU) ahead of three state elections on March 13 that will serve as a litmus test of her migrant policies, Merkel said it would no longer suffice for Germany to export goods to the rest of the world.

"Rather, we will have to take on more responsibility in an open world for what happens outside our European borders," she told a rally in Wittlich in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, one of the three states gearing up for elections.

"That means more development aid, that means more common standards on climate protection, that means fair trade and a lot more than one perhaps feels in a closed society," she added.

Merkel's call for a more engaged Germany shows the country's growing confidence on the world stage as it steps out of the shadows of its Nazi past, but also runs counter to domestic pressure to take a more national approach to the migrant crisis. Merkel calls for Germany to get more involved in world affairs

Notice that Germany wants a bigger international role and wants to set standards for climate and trade.

Trade disputes and possible trade wars are expected.

Notice also the following:

17 September 2016

'TTIP threatens our way of life,' say Berlin protesters ...

German retiree Maud Kellerhals has never been to a demonstration in her life. But on Saturday, the 79-year-old former school secretary from Berlin decided to make an exception. She marched through the city, together with many thousands of other people.

"I have nothing against the Americans, but I don't think they should be able to tell us what to do," she said, explaining her decision to join the mass protest against Europe's controversial trade deals with the US and Canada, TTIP and CETA.

"I don't want to eat their genetically modified food. And the idea that big US companies can take our government to court is just dreadful." Kellerhals said she had been reading up on the issues on the internet. ...

Meurer was also worried the market would be "flooded with cheap, substandard goods which don't conform to our rules."

For 51-year-old sales assistant Anna Berger, this was also a key issue.

"I feel this is a threat to our way of life," she said. "We will be swamped with cheap products from around the world. We will not be able to compete. Our own farmers and small-business owners will go bankrupt. And the truth is I don't need cheap apples from South Africa. I would rather have apples from this area."

The majority of demonstrators DW spoke to were similarly alarmed by the idea of bad food suddenly appearing on the shelves of German supermarkets - even though it is unclear if this would really happen. Another oft-cited concern was the provision in TTIP allowing foreign companies to sue governments if their profits are threatened.

"You cannot transfer power to unelected companies like this," said 51-year-old Ralf Grossmann, who described himself only as an employee. "We elect politicians. Not companies." http://www.dw.com/en/ttip-threatens-our-way-of-life-say-berlin-protesters/a-19559338

Notice the Europeans are worried that the USA produces "substandard items" that do not conform to their rules. The Europeans expect the world to adopt their standards. Most Americans do not realize that for the past several decades the Europeans have persuaded more and more countries to accept THEIR rules.

The Europeans have been working, for example, with countries in South America:

28 June 2019

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of four South American countries — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — have agreed to draft wording for a free-trade deal after almost 20 years of talks, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Friday.

He said the historic deal was "sending a strong signal," calling it the "largest trade agreement the EU has ever concluded." https://www.dw.com/en/eu-south-american-countries-agree-on-draft-free-trade-treaty/a-49406638

The EU wants trading agreement with most (or all) of Latin America (see also Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy).  Additionally, because of widespread declining European birthrates, it is likely that there will be increase immigration from Latin America to Europe in the future.

28 April 2020

Under the new EU-Mexico agreement, practically all trade in goods between the EU and Mexico will be duty-free. The agreement also now includes progressive rules on sustainable development, such as a commitment to effectively implementing the Paris Climate Agreement. It is also the first time that the EU agrees with a Latin American country on issues concerning investment protection. Simpler customs procedures will further help boost exports.

The broader Global Agreement, of which the trade agreement is an integral part, also covers the protection of human rights, as well as chapters on political and development cooperation. It will also be the very first EU trade agreement to include provisions to fight corruption, with measures to act against bribery and money laundering.

Mexico is the EU’s number one trade partner in Latin America with bilateral trade in goods worth €66 billion and trade in services worth another €19 billion (respectively 2019 and 2018 data). EU goods exports exceed €39 billion a year. EU-Mexico trade in goods has more than tripled since the entry into force of the original agreement in 2001. The modernised trade agreement will help boost this strong historical growth.

Next Steps

The legal revision of the agreement is now being finalised. Once the process is concluded, the agreement will be translated into all EU languages. Following the translations, the Commission proposal will be transmitted for signature and conclusion to the Council and European Parliament. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_756

The Vatican, which also reported about this deal (see Cinco de Mayo, Mexico & EU trade deal, and Babylon the Great) will also have influence with all of this as Latin America is highly Roman Catholic.

Why?

Because Daniel 11:39 and Revelation 13-18 will come to pass.

WIth the election of Donald Trump as President of the USA and his withdrawl of the USA from the TransPacific Partnership agreement (TPP), China and Germany are looking to fill in the void.

Notice comments from the Germans:

27 January 2017

Berlin should be ready to seize new opportunities in Asia as Washington steps away from global trade deals, Germany's new foreign minister said on Friday, and Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany and the European Union would seek new trade deals.

Merkel told a meeting of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that Germany and the European Union would continue to work towards reaching new trade agreements with other countries because "we live from interdependence".

"We're banking on free, fair trade around the world," Merkel said at a CDU event in the northeastern city of Greifswald. Debates about the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) showed such deals brought more opportunities than risks, she said.

With concern growing over U.S. President Donald Trump's protectionist stance on trade, Merkel said it was clear that every country would take a tough stance in negotiations but all interests must be taken into account if countries want to engage in reciprocal trade.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel outlined his priorities in a first speech to diplomats since taking office from Frank-Walter Steinmeier, saying he looked forward to meeting U.S. Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson as soon as possible. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-foreign-idUSKBN15B1SE

Notice something related to China:

8 November 2019

The European Union needs to take a more active role in global politics if it wants to protect its interests, incoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

"Europe must also learn the language of power," von der Leyen said during a speech on European policy in Berlin. ...

One area where the EU can start flexing its muscles more is its approach to China, von der Leyen said. China is a major player in trade with the bloc: The EU is Beijing's largest trading partner.

"We can influence the conditions under which we do business," von der Leyen said, adding that the EU will ensure that Chinese companies doing business in the bloc "also adhere to our standards." https://www.dw.com/en/von-der-leyen-europe-must-learn-the-language-of-power/a-51172902

Europe expects the world to abide by its standards.

Europe and the Eurasian Union

There is talk of a possible trade arrangement between the European Union and the Eurasian Union. The Eurasian Union came into existence January 1, 2015 and is essentially an attempt by Russia's Vladimir Putin to re-establish the old Soviet Union, but also to develop a trade block that includes India and China.

German Chancellor Merkel has floated the idea of a European Union/Eurasian Union trade zone:

29 January 2015

In an attempt to broker an end to the Ukraine crisis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the European Union would be open to talks towards the launch of free trade negotiations with the new Eurasian Economic Union.

Merkel said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the possibility of launching talks had been discussed at EU level.

Meanwhile, the nation's Economy Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, said that the EU is keen to offer Russia a way out. "The next step is a free trade zone," he said, talks on which could begin as soon as Russia resolves the Ukraine crisis. http://www.tax-news.com/news/Germany_Says_EU_Open_To_Idea_Of_Russian_FTA____67119.html#sthash.1qaepMPX.dpuf

In Davos, European leaders offer to make Putin's Eurasian dreams come true — but only if the conflict in Ukraine ends

During her afternoon appearance at the annual confab of investors and policymakers, German Chancellor Angela Merkel began by rattling off some of her typically harsh condemnations of Russia. With the annexation of Crimea last spring and the subsequent support for a violent rebellion in Ukraine’s eastern regions, Moscow had violated the “elementary principles of the European peaceful order,” she said. “It is a clear and flagrant violation of what has made us live and coexist peacefully together in Europe” since the end of World War II, Merkel added.

But when the moderator asked how she saw the conflict playing out in the more distant future, the Chancellor brought up the geopolitical vision (some would call it a fantasy) that Russian President Vladimir Putin has long been promulgating. “Later on, in the bigger picture,” Merkel said, “we can try to explore possibilities of cooperation, and an economic area that President Putin himself called ‘from Vladivostok to Lisbon.’”

This was a reference to the proposed free trade zone that Putin envisions stretching some 14,000 kilometers one day from the western edge of Europe to the eastern edge of Russia – and conspicuously leaving the U.S. out. For years, Putin has been seeking to lay the ground for such a project, most recently with the creation of the Eurasian Union, a political and economic bloc modeled on the European Union but with Moscow at its center of gravity. Comprised so far of only four post-Soviet countries – Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia, with the impoverished nation of Kyrgyzstan next in line to join – the Eurasian Union legally came into being as of Jan. 1.

But three weeks into its existence, it seems to have found a strategic negotiating partner in the far wealthier and more powerful union to the west. Or at least that’s what some of the E.U.’s key leaders now want Putin to believe. http://time.com/3679186/europe-putin-eurasia-peace-ukraine/

While it has been off to a rocky start, the Eurasian Union did begin officially on January 1, 2015 (see Eurasian Union officially starts today).

I have been writing for years that there will end up being cooperation between the Europeans and the Russians.  In my view, Bible prophecy makes this clear.

Notice that the Europeans and Russians are openly discussing ideas to cut the United States out.

Germany's Adolf Hitler and the then Soviet Union's Joseph Stalin made a deal together which helped pave the way for World War II.  The time will come when the Europeans and states in North Africa and the Middle East make a deal paving the way for World War III (WWIII) such as is described in Psalm 83.  It is also likely that the Russians and others in Asia will also make some type of deal with the Europeans related to WWIII.

What About TISA?

A reader sent me the following information:

The TPP, TiSA and TTIP ‘agreements’ are in actuality treaties in all but name. Calling them agreements rather than a treaty lowers the constitutional requirement of passing by two-thirds for such and allows it to pass with a simple majority.

This trio of trade agreements are sometimes collectively referred to as ObamaTrade. While the TPP is available for limited Congressional review under supervision under the proviso that the trade language cannot be divulged, TISA and TTIP texts are unavailable for even members of Congress to read. The text of the TPP is strictly off limits to the public and even members of Congress must go to a secure, guarded room in the Capital building in order to view the text, and any hand written notes taken must be turned over to security personnel before leaving the premises.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a wide-reaching and highly secretive multinational trade agreement between the United States and Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam encompassing 40% of trade worldwide.

The Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) is a trade initiative focused on service industries from telecommunications and technology to distribution and delivery services and covers about 70% of the global services economy. Serious privacy concerns have been raised about the agreement, along with questions over the possible impact on immigration following several chapters of the agreement being published byWikiLeaks including one chapter titled “TiSA Annex on Movement of Natural Persons”.

The Economic Policy Institute writes of TiSA that “there is little doubt that it will constrain the future ability of the United States Congress to regulate U.S. immigration policy.” They go on to say “The TiSA draft annex on Movement of Natural Persons would also likely restrict the ability of the current and future administrations to continue some of the basic immigration procedures it currently follows, such as requiring an in-person interview with L-1 applicants.”

The report concludes with the EPI stating that “TiSA has been written in secret by and for major corporations that will benefit greatly if it becomes law. The leaked TiSA text makes it clear that contrary to the claims by proponents of fast-track trade promotion authority, the reality is that those voting for fast track are ceding key powers to make immigration law and policy to an unelected group of corporations and foreign governments.”  ttp://www.chrisrofot.com/the-tpp-tisa-ttip-triumvirate/

Uruguay’s government decided to end its participation in the secret negotiations of the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA). After months of intense pressure led by unions and other grassroots movements that culminated in a national general strike on the issue – the first of its kind around the globe – the Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez bowed to public opinion and left the US-led trade agreement.

Despite – or more likely because of – its symbolic importance, Uruguay’s historic decision has been met by a wall of silence. Beyond the country’s borders, mainstream media has refused to cover the story.

This is hardly a surprise given that the global public is not supposed to even know about TiSA’s existence, despite – or again because of – the fact that it’s arguably the most important of the new generation of global trade agreements. According to WikiLeaks, it “is the largest component of the United States’ strategic ‘trade’ treaty triumvirate,” which also includes the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Pact (TTIP).

TiSA involves more countries than TTIP and TPP combined: The United States and all 28 members of the European Union, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey.

Together, these 52 nations form the charmingly named “Really Good Friends of Services” group, which represents almost 70% of all trade in services worldwide. Until its government’s recent u-turn Uruguay was supposed to be the 53rd Good Friend of Services.

TISA TRAILER

TiSA has spent the last two years taking shape behind the hermetically sealed doors of highly secure locations around the world. According to the agreement’s provisional text, the document is supposed to remain confidential and concealed from public view for at least five years after being signed. Even the World Trade Organization has been sidelined from negotiations.

Here is some of what the Canadians have written about it:

The Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) is a major attempt to further liberalize trade in services. TISA members represent an enormous services market with nearly 1.6 billion people and a combined GDP of more than $50 trillion in 2013—nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy. In 2013, these countries exported more than $3.6 trillion in services.

There are 24 parties taking part in the TISA negotiations: Australia; Canada; Chile; Chinese Taipei; Colombia; Costa Rica; the European Union; Hong Kong (China); Iceland; Israel; Japan; Liechtenstein; New Zealand; Norway; Mexico; Pakistan; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; South Korea; Switzerland; Turkey; the United States; and Uruguay. As demonstrated by the addition of Uruguay, TISA participants have agreed to welcome other WTO members that wish to join the negotiations and that share the objectives of the group. Parties have recently agreed to Mauritius’ request to join the Negotiations. A final agreement envisages an accession process to allow other WTO members to join in the future.

Since the negotiations were launched in March 2013, twelve rounds of negotiations have taken place in Geneva and two more are planned for 2015. At the end of 2013, the text negotiations were advanced enough to allow the TISA parties to table initial offers. Parties intend to intensify market access negotiations over the next year. During the July 2015 round, discussions focused on a number of proposals including transparency, domestic regulations, telecommunication services and e-commerce, financial services, transportation, and movement of natural persons. The July round also served as an opportunity for Parties to assess progress to date and discuss how the TISA should move forward toward in a timely conclusion.

The services industry includes sectors such as telecommunications services, financial services, computer services, retail distribution, transportation, environmental services, express delivery, energy services and professional services (e.g. accountants, lawyers, architects and engineers).  http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/topics-domaines/services/tisa-acs.aspx?lang=eng

Here is a Q&A from the Europeans about it:

Why is TiSA important for the EU?

Quite simply: it will create growth and jobs.

The EU is the world’s largest exporter of services with tens of millions of jobs throughout Europe in the services sector. Making it easier for EU firms to export services to other countries will help secure growth and jobs here in the EU. And making it possible for firms from outside Europe to offer their services in the EU will increase choice and lower prices for businesses and consumers alike.  http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/tisa/questions-and-answers/

As services become a bigger part of the world economy, trade agreements related to services are becoming more important to more nations.

Some think that TISA will limit government controls, others have a different view. It may well impact immigration and we are already seeing changes in the policies in Europe and the USA related to migrant issues. This may result in increased terrorism (see FBI again warns about Syrian migrants; Bible prophecy suggests that the US and UK may be hurt by them).

TISA also involves banking and other financial services. Basically, governments want more control over everything. A ‘cashless society’ is one way many believe that world leaders can better gain that control.

Why bring up concerns about a cashless society and trade agreements?

Well, because the Bible tells of a coming time of international cooperation and a highly monitored economy that is consistent with a cashless society bound by trade agreements.

Consider that Latin America Will Fulfill Part of the Trade Prophecies

The Bible prophesies the following in Ezekiel 27 related to trading with the Tyre (Ezekiel 27:1-3):

12 "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many luxury goods. They gave you silver, iron, tin, and lead for your goods. 13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules. 15 The men of Dedan were your traders; many isles were the market of your hand. They brought you ivory tusks and ebony as payment. 16 Syria was your merchant because of the abundance of goods you made. They gave you for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidery, fine linen, corals, and rubies. 17 Judah and the land of Israel were your traders. They traded for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, millet, honey, oil, and balm. 18 Damascus was your merchant because of the abundance of goods you made, because of your many luxury items, with the wine of Helbon and with white wool. 19 Dan and Javan paid for your wares, traversing back and forth. Wrought iron, cassia, and cane were among your merchandise. 20 Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding. 21 Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your regular merchants. They traded with you in lambs, rams, and goats. 22 The merchants of Sheba and Raamah were your merchants. They traded for your wares the choicest spices, all kinds of precious stones, and gold. 23 Haran, Canneh, Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Assyria, and Chilmad were your merchants. 24 These were your merchants in choice items — in purple clothes, in embroidered garments, in chests of multicolored apparel, in sturdy woven cords, which were in your marketplace. (Ezekiel 27:12-24)

Bolivia exports tin. Brazil and Columbia iron. Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia export steel. Peru and Mexico export lead. Peru exports a lot of bronze. Chile is one of the leading producers of copper, the main element in bronze.

As far as cane goes, if that includes sugar cane (and the Berean Study Bible translates this as "sweet cane"), then it should be noted that the leading producer in the world is Brazil, with Mexico 7th, Guatemala 9th, and Columbia 15th. Places like Paraguay are major exporters of stevia (it is number 2, with China 1), another sweetener.

As far as embroidered garments and chests of multicolored apparel go, I have seen this is in places in Latin America such as Mexico and Guatemala. (see http://www.worldstopexports.com/sugar-exports-country/ accessed 12/04/19)

Anyway, Tyre in Ezekiel 27 equates to end time Babylon the Great. So, lets look at something from the New Testament:

Notice that the Bible says that all trading nations will have become wealthy trading with Babylon (the restored European Empire):

3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury (Revelation 18:3).

13 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. (Revelation 18:12-13)

Thus, the resource (Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela are major oil exporters), and even agriculturally (Chile and Argentina are leading exporters of agricultural products, like grains and cattle), rich Latin American countries, including Brazil (which is also one of the world's most successful rising manufacturing nations), appears to be prophesied to attain wealth from the coming restored European Empire. Currently Peru and Mexico are leading gold and silver exporters. Brazil is a significant gold exporter, and some also comes from Columbia, Chile, and Venezuela. Brazil produces diamonds and Columbia is known for emeralds. Limestone is quarried in Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia, while Uruguay and Colombia are significant producers of marble.

More on Latin America can be found in the article: Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy.

COG Warnings of Trade Issues

The Church of God has warned about trade issues for decades.

Back in 1971, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following:

Trade War Looming to Trigger World War III?

Either we start raising high tariff barriers against other countries, starting a TRADE WAR which in time will trigger the nuclear war that will DESTROY US – or, American workers are going to have to MEET the competition of the workers in other countries , by lowering living standards. Obviously American workers are not going to choose to do the latter. And if they don’t – well, THE HANDWRITING IS ON OUR NATIONAL WALL. (Armstrong HW. Trade War Looming to Trigger World War III? Plain Truth, March 1971)

And while his basic impression of timing was off it is correct that trade issues will  be a factor that will trigger WWIII. A war that will be against the USA, Canada, and UK by a power that will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13; Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?) and then rise in Europe (watch also Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?). A Europe that is angry at the UK for Brexit and one that is mad at the USA for a host of reasons (including decisions of its its President-elect Donald Trump).

Several decades ago, Gene Hogberg of the old Worldwide Church of God wrote the following:

ENVISION the startling future of Western Europe. ...

A new Western Europe controlling perhaps half of all world trade, by exclusive arrangements with dozens of nations who produce raw materials.

A "United States of Europe " posses ing one single cttrrency - a currency so strong that it will replace the U. S. dollar as the kingpin currency of world trade. A United Europe developing great military strength to protect its unprecedented standard of living and its Number One position in the world. Visionary ideas?

Not at all.

Such a European powerhouse is now just over the horizon. ...

Biggest Obstacle

The biggest obstacle to accomplishing this whole effort still remains. It's the nagging political question. ...

If Britain were not pleased with the ' way things are going in the Common Market by the end of 1975, she, along with any other dissatisfied member, could quit. In that case Britain would be Vlrtually isolated - cut off from Europe ...

Handwriting Is on the Wall

It should be obvious that an expanding Europe will not forever tolerate monetary irresponsibility on the part of the United States - or look the other way should the U. S. institute protectionist trade legislation. The way things are now developing, it is only a ma tter of time before the Europeans cut loose from the dollar. They have already put the machinery in to motion. ...

Should the dollar fail, a new European currency would automatically become the kingpin currency financing world trade. The dollar would become an unwanted commodity. Trading nations around the world would have to trade in the currency of this "beast" in order to survive. (Hogberg G. Rising World Colossus. Plain Truth, May 1971).

Prepare for Trade War

THE Free World’s 40-year period of unprecedented prosperity may soon come to a crashing halt. Support in the United States — the West’s leading trading nation — for maintaining free trade is crumbling fast.

Instead, there reverberate in the halls of Congress warnings to trade partners to open markets or face the retaliation of heightened tariffs and quotas. …

Mr. Reagan is painfully aware of where unbridled protectionism could lead. In recently rejecting a protectionist plea from one industry, the President evoked memories of the Depression — era Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. “Some of us remember the 1930s, when the most destructive trade bill in history, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, helped plunge this nation and the world into a decade of depression and despair,” he told a radio audience. “From now on, if the ghost of Smoot-Hawley rears its ugly head in Congress, if Congress creates a depression — making bill, I’ll fight it.”

But the ghost is rising, and support for the President’s trade policy is waning, even from those within his own party.

What Smoot-Hawley Did

Just how disastrous was the Smoot-Hawley bill? The devastating role it played in the Great Depression was explained in the September 5 issue of The Wall Street Journal, in an article written by its editor, Robert L. Bartley. “The stock-market crash of 1929 came in the midst of debate in Congress over the tariff,” wrote Mr. Bartley. “It had spent the year adding item after item to the protection list. In mid — 1930 the Smoot-Hawley Bill became law, with the highest tariffs in the nation’s history.” What might have been an ordinary correction, continued Mr. Bartley, “turned into the Great Depression…. As the international accounts closed down, the world economy choked.” …

Dangerous Security Changes

Other experts warn that American political leaders — responding to calls for immediate competitive relief from their constituents — may be ignoring another lesson of the Great Depression: that the severe contraction of world trade gave added impetus to imperialist surges in Asia and Europe, specifically Japan and Germany.

Since 1945 Japan has chosen the mercantile road as its path to power, prestige and national restoration. Germany, specifically the Federal Republic of Germany, is heavily dependent upon world trade, exporting a full third of its manufactured goods.

Access to the U.S. market is central to the economies of Japan and the other nations of the Pacific Basin, writes National Review executive editor John McLaughlin, “and hence perhaps to their stability.” If protectionism takes hold, what would happen to Japan and to Western Europe, whose economic heart is in Germany? Protectionism, leading to a full-blown trade war, would likely break the extensive joint defense relationships between the U.S. and its primary World War II foes, now allies for the past 40 years.

Americans should then prepare to witness the emergence of a nuclear — armed Japan as well as a nuclear — armed united Europe with Germany at its core. It’s doubtful whether the American public and its elected representatives have thought out the likely end results of actions now under way.

Former Senate majority leader Howard H. Baker Jr. sounded this warning: “The disastrous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 was rushed through Congress… and it took 14 years and a world war to straighten out the mess.” (Hogberg G. Prepare for Trade War! Plain Truth, January 1986)

Based upon Ezekiel 27 and other scriptures, the late evangelist John Ogwyn believed that Latin America would prosper along with Europe for a time. Here is some of what he wrote:

There was a time when God indeed used the American and British-descended nations to lead, inspire—and even to police—the world. But that time is quickly drawing to a close. Nations that use the name of God while rejecting His commandments cannot continue to receive His blessings. Rather, He will break the pride of their power (Leviticus 26:19).

To fill this vacuum of leadership, there will suddenly emerge onto the world scene a powerful and charismatic leader in Europe. In alliance with a religious leader who will ignite an emotional mass hysteria through what the scripture terms “lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9), this military-political leader will use deceit to achieve great power. He will lead a revived Holy Roman Empire, called in Scripture “Babylon the Great” (Revelation 17; 18).

This European union of church and state will promise universal prosperity and will exercise worldwide economic dominance for a short while. Ezekiel 27, using the figure of the ancient commercial city of Tyre, speaks of this global economic combine, which will include nations of Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia—along with Israel and Judah (v. 17). Portions of Ezekiel 27 are paraphrased or quoted in Revelation 18 where the end-time system, called Babylon the Great, is described.

The English-speaking nations will not prosper for long in connection with this system, however. In fact, they will ultimately be overpowered and destroyed by it militarily. Prior to military attack and occupation, devastating weather problems, combined with internal civil strife (“tumults in her midst” cf. Amos 3:9) will bring our nations to the point of internal collapse. (Ogwyn J. The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. USP Edition 1.3 September 2015; accessed 12/02/19--note John Ogwyn died in 2005).

Notice something I wrote and posted back in 2008:

Negotiations will continue and some type of loose agreements will happen.  In the spirit of accommodation and personal interest, many of the “standards” of the European Union will be adopted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, as well as by nearly all of the countries of the world.  The Arab nations will most likely agree with many of the standards as they seem to be destined to form a brief end-time alliance with the Europeans (The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

However, over time, it will become increasingly clear that the British will be in more agreement with the Canadians and Americans and that the European Union in more agreement with the Mexicans than the EU will have with the English-speaking nations.

Trade wars and/or serious trade disputes will most likely arise.

The Brits will ultimately decide that they are more supportive of the Americans and Canadians.  They will be so much more supportive that they will end up in a trading agreement with them (with the Australians and New Zealanders probably also becoming part of that agreement).

The EU will decide that Mexico and the rest of Latin America are in more agreement with it and thus make some type of serious trading agreement with most (or all) of Latin America.  The Vatican will also have influence here as Latin America is highly Roman Catholic.

The Europeans and Americans, however, will continue to have military agreements, though many will be tense about them. (Thiel B. A Combined EU & North American Trade Block Coming? COGwriter.com, March 3, 2008)

Trade wars increase costs and international tensions. As far as Europe and Mexico go, in 2018 we see EU and Mexico making a trade deal, partially to send Donald Trump a message. As far as the economic bulk of Latin America goes, in 2019 we saw major steps for this (see EU’s Juncker essentially verified accuracy of 2008 COGwriter prediction on trade).

Now, we are seeing the UK more interested in trade with the USA for 2020 (see Post-Brexit trade for the UK and USA? Prosperity? Europe to Rise and Fall?).

As far as my own writings on trade go, notice the following two posts from 2013:

For at least two decades, I have believed that a split would happen between the USA and the Europeans partially because of how the Europeans will view how the USA handles/mishandles bilateral trade issues (USA debt, GMO foods, relative military decline of the USA, weather, etc. are likely to be other factors).

Thus, it is possible that a major trade deal will be the prelude for the disappointment to come. (Thiel B. Possible USA-EU trade deal: A prelude to the end? COGwriter, June 18, 2013)

Trade wars and other economic disagreements will be part of how European leaders will persuade many Europeans that the USA is not a friend, but an enemy. This is consistent with what I have been warning for years. …

The European Union is larger than the USA, generally has a total economic output greater than that of the USA, is (in some areas) becoming more technologically advanced than the USA, and can exert unique pressures on the USA. (Thiel B. EU Commissioner: USA espionage is for economic advantage, not terrorism. COGwriter, October 30, 2013)

Notice something from me in 2016:

Tariffs can lead to trade wars, and trade wars can lead to real wars. The Bible teaches that Europe will one day, relatively soon, dominate international trade (cf. Revelation 18). (Thiel B. Donald tweets and Boris speaks on tariffs. COGwriter.com, December 4, 2016)

Here is something from me a day before Donald Trump took office in 2017:

Trade wars have causalities and tariffs increase prices and can cause inflation.

Various nations will not like the policies that Donald Trump has advocated.

Trade wars have been listed as part of the Twelve ‘grey swan’ events to watch for in 2017?

Trade disputes are likely to be a factor that will lead to World War III. ...

There is a cost to trade wars and tariffs. Those who think otherwise are fooling themselves. (Thiel B. ‘America’s Tariff Trouble’. COGwriter.com, January 19, 2017)

We are seeing the world move closer to trade wars.

Notice also the following:

27 January 2017

Berlin should be ready to seize new opportunities in Asia as Washington steps away from global trade deals, Germany’s new foreign minister said on Friday, and Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany and the European Union would seek new trade deals.

Merkel told a meeting of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that Germany and the European Union would continue to work towards reaching new trade agreements with other countries because “we live from interdependence”.

“We’re banking on free, fair trade around the world,” Merkel said at a CDU event in the northeastern city of Greifswald. Debates about the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) showed such deals brought more opportunities than risks, she said.

With concern growing over U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist stance on trade, Merkel said it was clear that every country would take a tough stance in negotiations but all interests must be taken into account if countries want to engage in reciprocal trade.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel outlined his priorities in a first speech to diplomats since taking office from Frank-Walter Steinmeier, saying he looked forward to meeting U.S. Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson as soon as possible. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-foreign-idUSKBN15B1SE

31 January 2017

In his confused worldview, Trump sees the EU and Germany as economic competitors that must be beaten. In the eyes of his very roughly hewn administration, Germany, with its high US trade surplus, is seen as the root of all evil. Trump seeks to turn back the US trade deficit with half-baked slogans such as “buy American, hire American.” He wants to create new taxes and tariffs whether these make economic sense or not. Thus, the EU must prepare itself for a trade war the likes they have never seen.

Europe must be ready to find new economic partners in Asia when the president destroys the existing world economic order. http://www.dw.com/en/opinion-the-eu-has-to-stand-up-to-donald-trump/a-37358179

The Bible is clear that Europe will rise up to the world’s basic surprise as a major military (Revelation 13:1-10; Daniel 11:39-43) and massive trading (cf. Revelation 18) power.

In December 2017, I warned in my article (and sermon 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018), 18 items to prophetically watch in 2018, that trade was one thing to watch:

7. Trade

Not all warfare is militaristic. There is also economic warfare.

This often involves trade.

Europe will get more involved.

For a time, Babylon will dominate world trade:

2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." (Revelation 18:2-3).

While 'Babylon' will not reign in 2018, with the USA pulling out of trade deals and/or wishing to change them, steps are occurring that are pushing Europe to dominate trade (watch Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass?).

Notice the cover of the January-March 2018 edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine:

In the cover article, I wrote:

Trade wars increase costs and international tensions. ...

US President Trump’s statements to the United Nations about trade and “America first” on September 19, 2017, further told parts of the world that the US wants to change trade practices in ways that many nations do not believe will be beneficial—and this helps open the door for the European Union

Additionally, European leaders have stated that they no longer want ‘subservience’ to the USA and want to put “Europe first” (in contrast to the “America first” campaign slogan that Donald Trump has used). …

The Europeans warned that the US sanctions bill could lead to a trade war—a trade war some EU leaders claimed that Europe would win.

While nations do not normally economically ‘win’ a trade war, political leaders have found them helpful for a variety of reasons.

Trade issues are important and consistent with end time biblical prophecies.

Events in the USA and Europe are aligning with the understanding of biblical prophecy that we in the Continuing Church of God hold and teach.

We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).”

In 2018, we have clearly seen trade disputes and what many have stated is a start of trade wars (see Finance expert says Europeans are in ‘over their heads’ as Trump TRADE WAR begins and China: ‘The US has launched a trade war’).

And do not forget that the EU does not care for various positions of Donald Trump or the Brexit vote.

Does the Bible Tell About the Rise of an Massive International Trading System?

So, massive trade agreements are in the process of being implemented and/or negotiated. Does the Bible tell of the rise of any massive international trading system?

Certainly it does. But it does so with warnings.

The Bible warns of a time when a European Beast power will control buying and selling:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18)

The above suggests that the Europeans will have set a lot of the rules related to trade.  The Bible also tells that this will make some in the world wealthy (cf. Revelation 18). But that also suggests that the Europeans will have set a lot of the rules and that is what TTIP and WTO seem to be intended to do. Could the WTO and TTIP agreements be a prelude to Revelation 13:16-18?

They certainly seem to be.

Economically, the USA is no longer going to be the head, but the tail (cf. Deuteronomy 28:13,44). This new world order will result in the Europeans being on top (but only for a while).

Biblically, world trade agreements are expected.  The Bible tells that many will become rich by the coming daughter of Babylon system, but that it will eventually end, and many will mourn:

11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

19 “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’  (Revelation 18:11-19)

A massive trading system, also involving human trafficking is discussed in the Hebrew scriptures as well:

12 "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many luxury goods. They gave you silver, iron, tin, and lead for your goods. 13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules. 15 The men of Dedan were your traders; many isles were the market of your hand. They brought you ivory tusks and ebony as payment. 16 Syria was your merchant because of the abundance of goods you made. They gave you for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidery, fine linen, corals, and rubies. (Ezekiel 27:12-16)

Human trafficking is again going to become 'legal.' Many will be shocked to learn that the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies are to be among those that will be bought and sold (see the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? and/or watch the video Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?)

In general, trade agreements benefit both parties involved. Yet as I warned about trade talks in the past, ultimately, some of the deals will not be good for the United States of America nor the British (nor their Anglo-allies like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand).

A world trading combine led by Europe is in the process of forming. Europe wants its standards adopted and is not pleased with certain governmental delays from the USA.

Donald Trump is a catalyst for Europe (see also Donald: 'Trump of God' or Apocalyptic?). A video of interest may be: Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass.

Irrespective of USA politics, the prophesied reality is that Europe will end up setting many of the world's trade standards.

Possible WTO, TTIP, CETA, and other agreements are helping to set the stage.

Thiel B. WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast. http://www.cogwriter.com/wto-trade-and-the-beast-of-babylon.htm COGwriter (c) 2013/2015/2016/2017/2018 /2019/2020 /2021 0212

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Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Trade Disputes: CCOG Warnings Are Coming to Pass Trade tensions and talks of trade wars have escalated. US President Donald Trump has put Europe, China, Mexico, and other lands on notice that he wants to change how international trade with the USA has been going. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, and even more tariffs are being implemented. Is this all just happenstance? Are we yet in a trade war? What will Europe do? Has the Church of God been warning about trade disputes and a coming trade war for decades? What about the Continuing Church of God (CCOG)? What has been warned, what has been happening, and what will happen? Will trade disputes be a factor in World War III (WW3)? Dr. Thiel explains what has been taught and what to expect.
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