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
Gutierrez Calls on Congress to Pass FTAs at “America Wins with Trade” Bus Stop
Washington (July 24)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today welcomed the Consumer Electronics Association’s “America Wins with Trade” bus to our nation’s capital. He highlighted export growth and the need for Congress to pass FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. “In 2007, our country exported a record of $1.6 trillion dollars,” Gutierrez said. “That’s 12 percent of our economy. Free trade agreements are good for jobs, are good for exports, are good for the economy, and there’s no excuse to not pass these agreements now.” (Video) (Remarks)
U.S. Manufacturing Exports Swing from Deficit to Surplus with FTA Countries
Washington (July 23)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced new data showing that the United States is running a trade surplus in manufactured exports with our 14 free trade agreement (FTA) partners. In the first five months of 2008, the trade balance in manufactured goods rose to a $2.7 billion surplus with our FTA partners from a $12.3 billion deficit during the same period last year. “These figures show that our FTAs are succeeding and that Americans benefit from open markets,” Gutierrez said. (Fact Sheet) (Remarks) (Release)
President Bush Honors Colombian Independence Day, Highlights Shared Democratic Values and the Need to Pass Free Trade Agreements
Washington (July 22)—In remarks at the White House in observance of Colombia’s 199th anniversary of independence, President George W. Bush highlighted the strong historical bonds of freedom and democracy shared by our two nations. He also called upon the U.S. Congress to quickly approve the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement as a crucial national security priority, in addition to making good economic sense, as well as pending trade agreements with Panama and Korea. (Remarks) (Fact Sheet)
Gutierrez Tours the Port of Savannah to Highlight Pending Free Trade Agreements and American Export Growth
Savannah, Ga. (July 21)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today visited the Georgia Ports Authority to tour the port and highlight its role in transporting American goods for export. “Booming exports underscore the strength of American workers and American companies in the world marketplace,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “Exports continue to support American jobs and stimulate our economy in communities across the country.” The Secretary also authored an opinion editorial on trade and the need to pass pending free trade agreements in the Savannah Morning News. (Opinion Editorial)
Gutierrez on Colombia’s Independence Day: The Time to Vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is Now
Washington (July 20)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on the occasion of Colombia’s Independence Day with a call to Congress to schedule a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: “Freedom and democracy go hand in hand. As our nation celebrates with our Colombian friends and allies on their independence day, we reflect on the remarkable progress that they have made toward stability, social justice and peace. These are developments that all Americans should be proud to support. When Colombia is strong, secure and prosperous, so is the Western Hemisphere.” (More)
