 |
 |
 |
 |
TradeRoots leads a two-front battle to knock down trade barriers
abroad and keep our markets open at home. Trade is no longer a
luxury. It is in the vital self-interest of our nation. One-third of
our economy is now trade dependent. Ninety-five percent of the
world's consumers live outside the United States. Free trade critics
are right on one score: too many markets abroad remain unfair and
closed to American goods and services. Our intellectual property is
being stolen, and our products are being pirated and counterfeited.
But the answer isn't to close our markets it's to open theirs and
instill the rule of law.
Free trade creates jobs, fosters economic growth in the United States, and improves consumer choice and the standard of living of American families. Below you'll find policy statements and other information on several key trade proposals:
The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement:
- Negotiations with Colombia were completed in February 2006, but then reopened over sensitive agricultural issues in Colombia. The president has not yet signed the agreement. This agreement would ultimately eliminate most tariffs on U.S. goods and services entering the Colombian market. Since most of Colombia's exports already enter the U.S. market duty-free under the Andean Trade Preference Act, it would level the playing field for U.S. exporters and result in significantly increased exports for the United States.
-
Read More ...
The U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement:
- In December 2006, the U.S. and Panamanian governments announced they had completed negotiations on a Trade Promotion Agreement "with the understanding that it is subject to further discussions regarding labor," according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
-
Read More ...
The U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement:
-
The United States announced its intent to negotiate a free trade
agreement with the Republic of Korea in February 2006.
Negotiations can begin after a 90-day consultation period. A
comprehensive U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement would create new
opportunities to expand U.S. trade with an important ally and
trading partner, while securing America's foothold in the rapidly
expanding Asian economy.
Support links:
The U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA):
- The U.S.-DR-CAFTA, which includes the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, was completed in late summer 2004. In July 2005, Congress approved the agreement, and the president signed it into law in August 2005. The Dominican Republic and Central America constitute the fifth largest U.S. growth market, with the value of exports increasing by $3.2 billion between 1999 and 2004.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):
- NAFTA was implemented on January 1, 1994 and is a trilateral FTA between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Today, NAFTA links 435 million people in an area which produces nearly $14 trillion worth of goods and services.
