Trade Fact of the Day
U.S. goods exports to Colombia year-to-date through May 2008 amount to 4.8 billion, up 50.0 percent from the same period of 2007.
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
Under Secretary Padilla Briefs Reporters on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement at the White House
Washington (March 12)—Following President Bush’s Remarks on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Under Secretary for International Trade Christopher Padilla briefed reporters at the White House about the benefits of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The agreement levels the playing field for American businesses, farmers and workers whose products currently face high tariffs entering the Colombian market, while most Colombian exports to the U.S. face zero duties. The agreement also strengthens our relationship with a key ally in Latin America. (Colombia FTA)
File Photo
President Bush Urges Passage of U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
Washington (March 12)—President George W. Bush made remarks to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and urged Congress to pass trade agreements, particularly the U.S. Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement that advances the economic and national security interests of the United States and shows the Colombian people that democracy and free enterprise lead to a better life. (Remarks) (Fact Sheet)
Secretary Gutierrez Praises 2008 Momentum in Export Success
Washington (March 11)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued a statement on the release of the January 2008 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Department’s Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis: “Last year we exported $1.6 trillion in goods and services, making America the number one exporter in the world. The time is ripe for our businesses, ranchers and workers to expand markets to seize maximum exporting potential for our American goods.” (More) (Fact Sheet)
International Trade Administration Releases Video Presentation on the Benefits of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement
Washington (March 11)—In a video released by the International Trade Administration, Under Secretary for International Trade Christopher Padilla highlights the benefits of the pending free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. Padilla uses a grocery bag full of U.S. and Colombian products to demonstrate the economic benefits of the trade agreement, and the need to level the playing field for American farmers, businesses and workers. (Video Release) (Transcript)
Gutierrez Highlights Commerce Role in Promoting Technology, Innovation, Free Trade and Economic Growth in U.S. Counties
Washington (March 4)—In remarks to the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez highlighted the variety of ways Commerce agencies partner with counties throughout the U.S. to promote technology, innovation and opportunities to create new markets for American exports. He stressed the need to pass the three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea in order to drive growth, innovation, jobs and higher standards of living. (More)
