Trade Topics & FTAs

• NAFTANAFTA helped to eliminate a number of non-tarrif measures affecting agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico. Prior to January 1, 1994, the single largest barrier to U.S. agricultural sales was Mexico’s import licensing system. However this system was largely replaced by tarrif rate quotas or ordinary tariffs. NAFTA helped to eliminate a number of non-tarrif measures affecting agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico. Prior to January 1, 1994, the single largest barrier to U.S. agricultural sales was Mexico’s import licensing system. However this system was largely replaced by tarrif rate quotas or ordinary tariffs.
• CAFTACAFTA-DR has proven to be a resounding success. By giving U.S. workers, farmers and companies a level playing field in Central America and the Dominican Republic, the agreement has brought real benefits to the United States. It has also brought benefits to Central America and the Dominican Republic in the form of new investment, faster economic growth, and opportunities for small businesses. With such a strong “early harvest” from the agreement, its long-term benefits are likely to be even more impressive – a clear “win-win” for the United States, Central America, and the Dominican Republic.
• U.S. – Korea FTAThe U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is the most commercially significant trade deal in more than a decade. This landmark agreement will benefit the U.S. economy by creating a fair and level playing field for U.S. workers and farmers in Korea and immediately opening new access for U.S. goods in services in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. By giving U.S. businesses an advantage over global competitors in Korea’s market, the FTA will also promote U.S. competitiveness in Asia and globally.
• Buy American” Means “Bye American Jobs”The enactment of “Buy American” provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is causing our key trading partners great concern and causing many projects to be delayed. These “Buy American” mandates are proving damaging and harming to American workers and companies and sapping the Stimulus package of its ability to stimulate. Waste, delay, and red tape are the last things we should include in the Stimulus package….
• PanamaThe U.S.-Panama TPA is a tremendous opportunity for U.S. exporters. This comprehensive trade agreement will eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade of goods and services, promote economic growth, and enhance trade between the United States and Panama. The agreement will also spur reforms of Panama’s domestic legal and business environment that are important to encourage investment, protect intellectual property rights, enhance regulatory transparency, and strengthen protections for workers and the environment.
• Mexican Cross-Border TruckingThe current cross-border trucking system is inefficient and costly for both consumers and businesses with security and environmental implications. According to the Department of Transportation, the superfluous warehousing and loading/unloading adds US$400 million per year to the price of Mexican imports, which has been passed on to American consumers. A shipment traveling from the United States to Mexico, or vice versa, requires no less than three drivers and three tractors to perform a single international freight movement…
• ColombiaColombia is already a strong trading partner and has the potential to be an even greater place to do business. Trade with Colombia offers expanded economic opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, workers, and farmers. It is a growing market for U.S. exporters and a good economic and policy partner of the United States. A Trade Promotion Agreement gives us a framework to make Colombia a better place to do business. In addition, an agreement with Colombia helps further U.S. trade and policy objectives in the region.