Trade Fact of the Day
The U.S. manufactured goods trade balance improved 122 percent with our FTA partners, but only six percent with non-FTA partners in the first five months of 2008.
About Trade
"Free and fair trade helps secure a future of freedom and promise."
President George W. Bush
World Trade Week Proclomation
May 16, 2008
News Highlights
Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Sees Progress in Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (Nov. 19)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez concluded his third bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visit to Colombia in recent months to highlight the significant progress that the country has made toward increased economic prosperity and strong democratic governance. He also highlighted growing export opportunities for U.S. companies. Earlier during the visit, the Secretary and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe (right of the Secretary) met with members of the delegation and local officials at an open-air town hall meeting in Perimetral, an area the government is helping to revitalize. (More)
Gutierrez Leads His Third Congressional Delegation to See First-Hand the Progress and Opportunity in Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia (Nov. 17)—Secretary Gutierrez led his third Congressional delegation to Colombia this fall, where Members of Congress met with Colombian military forces supported by Plan Colombia, a U.S.-supported effort to fight narco-terrorism. Pictured from left to right: Rep. Watt (D-NC), Rep. Chandler (D-KY), U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Brownfield, Rep. Conaway (R-TX), Rep. Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Secretary Gutierrez, Rep. Clarke (D-NY), Colombian Minister of Trade Plata, Sen. Smith (R-OR), Rep. Meeks (D-NY), Rep. Salazar (D-CO) and Rep. Herger (R-CA). (More)
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Secretary Gutierrez to Bring Fourth Administration Led Congressional Delegation to Colombia
Washington (Nov. 13)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced today he will bring a fourth Administration led U.S. Congressional delegation to Colombia, Nov 17-19 to continue the push to advance the U.S.-Colombia trade deal by showing Members of Congress the remarkable transformation taking place in Colombia. “Congress has already given Colombian exporters free access to the U.S. market. With this trade agreement, Congress can give U.S. farmers, workers and businesses similar access to the Colombian market,” said Gutierrez. (More)
Secretary Gutierrez Statement on House Passage of U.S.-Peru Deal
Los Angeles (Nov. 8)—Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement applauding the House of Representatives passage 285 to 132 of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. “I commend the House of Representatives for its overwhelming support of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, which removes barriers to U.S. exports so American workers, farmers and businesses can compete and win in the Peru market. Congress has for years given Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia special duty free access to the U.S.-market – today they are giving U.S. exporters, farmers and workers similar access to Peru.” (More)
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Peru Trade Agreement Passes House of Representatives 285 to 132
Washington (Nov. 8)—The United States House of Representatives today passed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement by a vote of 285 to 132. U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab issued the following statement: “Today’s vote marks an historic achievement for the U.S. and Peruvian people. The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement is the foundation of an enduring partnership with one of America’s key friends and allies in Latin America. … I look forward to an equally strong and bipartisan vote as soon as possible in the Senate, and additional successes on the Colombia, Panama, and Korea FTAs.” (More)
