What is generally viewed as easier to negotiate, multilateral or bilateral trade agreements?

Bilateral trade agreements are considered easier to negotiate than multilateral trade agreements primarily due to the simpler and more streamlined process involved. In a bilateral agreement, only two countries are involved, allowing for direct discussions and negotiations that can lead to quicker consensus on terms and conditions. This limited scope reduces the complexity of balancing multiple interests, which can be a significant barrier in negotiations involving many countries.

In a multilateral trade agreement, multiple countries must come together, each with their own priorities, trade practices, and economic conditions. This often leads to lengthy negotiations, as stakeholders must work to accommodate the needs and wants of all parties involved, which can slow down or complicate the process significantly.

While regional trade blocs and economic partnerships can also facilitate trade among multiple nations, they still generally involve more negotiation complexities and demands than bilateral agreements. Therefore, the preference for bilateral agreements stems from their straightforward nature, reducing the potential for disagreements and facilitating quicker implementations.