Likely lots of reasons, but you're not going to find any answers here. Sentences like: The grand failure of the world's biggest free trade zone really is a str

Likely lots of reasons, but you're not going to find any answers here. Sentences like: The grand failure of the world's biggest free trade zone really is a striking fact to gnaw on. do not suggest that the author will have any particular interest in facts that don't align with their existing ideas. In reality causes are likely a mixture of: - Tighter regulatory environment - More barriers in the overall market - Lower income inequality - Fewer hours worked And this says very little about the benefits or costs of the decisions that might lead to these outcomes, or why they indicate "falling further behind".