What is clear is that more and more countries are opting to sign up for regional agreements. Since the WTO was created in 1995, another 90 agreements have been notified. But not all these agreements have stayed the course. Of the 214 agreements notified, about 134 agreements are thought to be currently in force. The impetus for regional agreements is clear - most countries want to secure access to the markets of their biggest trading partners and these are often neighbouring countries.
Some countries think they stand a better chance of being heard in regional negotiations.
It can be hard to be heard above the din of the 140-strong WTO negotiations, and having your voice heard is the start to making sure you get what you want. The US may have found it easier to dominate the agenda and outcome of trade talks in the 1970s, but the growth in size of the WTO has made that more difficult. With 140 countries in WTO, you just come out with lowest common denominator, it is harder for the US to get what it wants. Private sector interests in the US now appear more likely to support the bilateral approach, a move which could drain energy from multilateral talks. The key to success of Uruguay trade round was in part the strong coalition of private sector interests favouring multilateral rounds.