Here's a map of the newest global trading bloc.  With Japan and India, the bloc would encompass ~ half of humanity (3 billion people).  Imagine.  No tariffs, one passport, one currency, etc.  Wow.  China is quickly locking up long term access to the raw materials to power its economic expansion (particularly in conjunction with their recent deals with Iran and Russia).  In contrast, the US appears stalled on NAFTA integration (we are actually going backwards on this) and we are nearly at blows with our raw material partners (Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, etc.).  (from John Robb)