Elementary, My Dear Traders: Trump Teases a Trade Deal Mystery!

The Case of the Cryptic Announcement

The game is afoot wouldn't you concur Watson? A curious missive from the former inhabitant of the White House has piqued my interest. A 'major trade deal' with a 'big and highly respected country' to be unveiled this Thursday. The details alas are as scarce as hens' teeth at a fox convention. He dangles this enticing clue before us then vanishes into the mists of ambiguity! One is reminded of the Giant Rat of Sumatra – 'a story for which the world is not yet prepared,' as I once remarked. Similarly it seems the world is not yet prepared for the specifics of this deal.

A Web of Tariffs and Trade Tangles

It appears our American friends have been rather busy weaving a complex tapestry of tariffs. Ten percent here twenty five percent there a staggering one hundred and forty five percent aimed at China! It’s a veritable Gordian Knot of fiscal policy. These tariffs Watson are like the red herrings in a poorly constructed detective novel – distracting but ultimately leading nowhere useful. Though I must admit the temporary suspension of some rates does offer a glimmer of hope as a brief respite from the fog.

Suspects: A Rogues' Gallery of Nations

Now to the suspects er I mean potential partners. India South Korea Japan – all named as possible contenders. It's a veritable rogues' gallery of economic powerhouses! But which one holds the key to this particular lock? The former President’s statement alas is as useful as a chocolate teapot. We must rely on deduction Watson pure deduction! To eliminate the impossible whatever remains however improbable must be the truth...or in this case the deal.

The Two Week Review: A Presidential Pondering

A fortnight dedicated to reviewing potential trade deals? A most unusual approach! It suggests either a meticulous examination of the evidence or a rather prolonged bout of procrastination. I suspect the former is about as likely as finding Moriarty knitting a tea cozy. Nonetheless we must observe and await further developments. The devil as they say is in the details and I for one intend to be there when the details emerge.

Elementary Speculation My Dear Watson

So what can we deduce from this cryptic announcement? Firstly there will be plenty of speculation. Secondly someone will inevitably get it wrong. And thirdly the true nature of this trade deal will likely be far more mundane than the initial hype suggests. Remember Watson 'It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts.' Let us wait for the facts to emerge.

The Game Continues...

For now the game remains afoot. We shall observe analyze and wait for the pieces to fall into place. Perhaps a new clue will present itself a tell tale sign that points us to the true identity of this 'big and highly respected country.' Until then we can only speculate and hope that the solution is more satisfying than the average Scotland Yard investigation. The game my dear Watson is most definitely afoot!