What is the negative of bilateral trade?

The negative of bilateral trade can include trade imbalances, where one country may consistently export more than it imports, leading to economic dependency. This can also result in reduced domestic industries in the importing country, as local producers struggle to compete with foreign goods. Additionally, bilateral trade agreements may overlook broader multilateral trade dynamics, potentially fostering tension with countries excluded from the deal. Lastly, such arrangements can exacerbate geopolitical tensions if one country perceives the trade relationship as unequal or exploitative.