Is the TPP dead?

We may not know the result, but one thing seems certain: the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement is dead. Both US presidential candidates campaigned in opposition to the TPP.

But pro-traders in the US, and the Obama Administration, remained hopeful that the Congress could ratify the deal in its so-called 'lame duck' session - held after the election, but before the new president is sworn in.

As my colleague Anna Vidot reports, the stronger-than-expected performance of Donald Trump, the anti-trade movement's most vocal advocate, is likely to push that possibility beyond the realm of plausibility.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is taking stock of Donald Trump's election. Photo: ABC News/Ross Nerdal.

The Australian Government had urged the US to ratify the 12-nation trade pact, which was designed to solidify American leadership and influence in the Asia-Pacific.

While they didn't get everything they wanted from TPP, Australian farmers had hoped it would bring better access to vast US markets for beef, dairy and other commodities.