Chapter 4, Pages 118-150 Trade Blocks. Trade blocks are an essential part of 21 st century living. Every nation, with the possible exception of China, is now or soon will be a part of a trade block.
Nations form trade blocks for many reasons.
Most of the reasons for trade block formation revolve around economic survival or increased exports and the job opportunities associated with those exports available through global expansion. The world is becoming increasingly economically interdependent. Because of increasing competition globally, nations are finding it necessary to form formal economic linkages with other nations. Still others form alliances because of access to inexpensive labor or other uniquenesses. Many nations increase their profile and gain increased political or economic influence by joining a trade block.