Manufacturers Call for Robust Trade Agenda

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) International Economic Policy Committee Chairman, Executive Committee Member and Ball Corporation Chairman David Hoover issued this statement on the Obama Administration’s trade agenda released today:  

 

“Strong and robust exports are critical to the competitiveness of manufacturers in the United States. Policymakers should be concerned about the slowed growth in manufactured goods exports last year, setting us back from reaching the goal of doubling exports.

Global competition continues to grow, and with 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside of our borders, we have to do much more to reach new export markets. Trade agreements have been a proven source of success for manufacturers in America. Exports of U.S.-manufactured goods to just 20 free trade agreement partners accounted for nearly half of our nation’s exports in 2012. We must begin negotiations for more market-opening agreements. Action is needed to ensure successful results as soon as possible in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and in new talks with the European Union. Strengthening our nation’s export financing and promotion tools is also critical to leveling the playing field for manufacturers throughout the United States.

As part of an aggressive trade agenda, the Administration and Congress must work together now to restore the executive–congressional trade-negotiating pact known as trade promotion authority. This is vital to accelerating and implementing comprehensive market-opening negotiations. Implementing the right trade policies will make us more competitive globally and create manufacturing jobs right here at home.”

The NAM has released A Growth Agenda: Four Goals for a Manufacturing Resurgence in America—policies that will get the U.S. economy moving again and keep manufacturers in America competitive. Click here to learn more.