President Obama and his predecessors have frequently claimed that free trade agreements (FTAs) and other trade deals will lead to growing exports and domestic job creation. The president is currently negotiating two massive new FTAs that are likely to result in increased outsourcing and growing job losses, especially in the manufacturing sector. This paper reviews recent…
The number of House Democrats and Republicans who have publicly voiced outright opposition or strong skepticism toward the renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) has grown to 162, including 142 of the total 188 voting members of the House Democratic caucus. [Reposted from Inside US Trade | February 12, 2015] Among them are 128 returning…
In an unexpected move, China this week announced to signatories of the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) that it does not intend to improve the market access concessions it made in its latest accession offer presented in December 2014, but is willing to negotiate exclusions it has proposed. [Reposted from Inside US Trade | February 13,…
You really need an anthology of catch-phrases you hear in this benighted town of DC to understand the difference between what people actually say and what they mean. When someone says “my good friends from the other side of the aisle…,” they’re not really good friends. And when someone says, “that will cause a…
BEIJING—U.S. businesses in China have voiced increased concerns over what they see as rising anti-foreign sentiment and more difficult operating conditions as the economy posts slower growth. [by William Kazer | February 11, 2015 | WSJ] An annual survey released on Wednesday of about 500 members of the American Chamber of Commerce in China…
CEO Michael Stumo’s comment: “Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew’s opposition to fixing rampant global currency devaluation is extraordinarily off the mark. He says it could hamper quantitative when the proposals target entirely different mechanisms, specifically for an exchange or in reserve accumulation. This shows the administration is simply obstructing a fix. It also shows that…
Dearest Member of Congress, Will you be my Valentine? If I have betrayed your trust, I am sorry that you feel that way. I’ve been so focused on convincing you to take the Fast Track trip with me and buy those trade deals I love, I’ve said some things that, in retrospect, were not true. …
Trade is a hot topic on Capitol Hill this year. President Obama has asked members of Congress for “fast track” trade promotion authority in order to finalize proposed trade deals with Asia and Europe that set the stage for growing, trade-related job displacement. [Reposted from the Economic Policy Institute blog | Robert Scott | February…
Sens. Brown, Sessions, Schumer, Graham, and Stabenow to Introduce the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2015. Addressing Currency Manipulation Could Create Nearly Six Million Jobs by Leveling the Playing Field for American Manufacturers and Workers. [Reposted from Senator Sherrod Brown’s website | February 9, 2015] WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress prepares to review…
Trade agreements give rise to international tribunals and suits by foreign companies against US local and state governments. Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state is joining the clamor against the global court system being set up by trade treaties. Washington state often brags about being the most export dependent state in the country. While…
