The FreedomWorks International Trade Homepage

Trade in goods, services, and investment capital improves the quality of life for all people. Free trade drives the efficiency of the global economy and creates wealth. It is also an issue of freedom-- Americans should be able to buy and sell legal products without government interference.

Free trade benefits America, but there remains strong political opposition to our freedom. Companies that aren't competitive will seek protection from the government. Other opponents of trade are simply against capitalism.

The problem is that the benefits of trade are shared across the economy, but the benefits of protectionism are highly visible. For example, if an uncompetitive factory closes, we can see directly the unfortunate human and financial cost. Yet, at the same time, trade is elsewhere creating more new jobs in growing industries-- a process that isn't visible in the local newspapers.

Americans are the most productive and innovative people in the world. Yet, the United States has only 5% of the world's population. We cannot afford to close our borders to the world's markets and goods.

FREEDOMWORKS PUBLICATIONS			OTHER KEY PUBLICATIONS
Key Vote YES on Free Trade with Peru November 7, 2007 Key Vote “NO” on Rep. Pelosi's Proposal to Remove TPA from Columbia Free Trade Agreement April 1, 2007 Good Morning Vietnam, But Farewell to Free Trade? How will the next Congress fare on free trade? December 13, 2006 Biggest Foreign Aid Recipient The U.S. benefits from Chinese currency policy. May 10, 2006 No more excuses for Mexico How can Mexico achieve domestic reform? April 24, 2006 Dumb and Dangerous U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Lindsey Graham have come up with a particularly dumb and dangerous proposal on China. April 7, 2006 FreedomWorks Michigan Hosts Public Policy Dinner China, Free Trade and Michigan Economy Discussed by State and Federal Legislative Leaders January 17, 2006 The IMF: Bad Cop The IMF accomodates corruption in the Republic of Congo. January 6, 2006 Lessons of Smaller States Many small nations have become much richer then their large neighbors. September 6, 2005 Hope for Europe? A flicker of promise for economic and political renewal. August 10, 2005 CAFTA is a Win-Win CAFTA works for both economic and foreign policy reasons. August 2, 2005 CAFTA is Good for America Spreads freedom and supports pro-US politicians in Central America. July 2, 2005 President Kerry would be bad for world trade His campaign rhetoric bodes ill for increasing trade and growth. September 9, 2004 Is Offshoring a Problem for the U.S. Economy? America’s Labor Market has faced similar challenges in the past and has only strengthened. May 20, 2004 Economic Isolationism is Bad for Everyone Edwards's plan would be disastrous for the economy. February 24, 2004 Trade: Free, Fair and Forgotten Our trade policy has gotten worse recently. November 25, 2003 An African Renaissance Millenium Challenge Accounts will expand freedom. July 15, 2003 Plot a New Course for Africa Freedom will work for African economies, too. July 9, 2003 Economic Prosperity for Africa, Too Strong leadership is emerging during tough times. June 18, 2003 The IMF and the World Bank These huge bureaucracies are the wrong way to approach international trade and economic reform. May 23, 2003 Protectionism: Protecting Whom? Backgrounder on the benefits of international trade. April 29, 2003 The Stranglehold on American Commerce President Bush got U.S. ports working again, but will Washington fight a militant union that opposes innovation and progress? October 9, 2002 Sitting on the Dock of the Bay The union shutdown of 29 American ports is unacceptable, and puts our businesses, workers, and economic growth at risk. October 2, 2002 Brainstorm 2002 Conference agreed that trade will bring peace and prosperity. August 6, 2002 New Role Models for Africa African leaders are beginning to embrace free markets. June 7, 2002 Nuevo Dependencia and World Government? Free markets are the solution to third world poverty. March 27, 2002 Going Global In recent years “globalization” has become a battle cry for the forces of big government. March 26, 2002 Steel Never Sleeps Intense Lobbying Leads to Protectionist Tariffs March 5, 2002 American Trade Policy at War With Itself Steel tariffs will hurt consumers. February 27, 2002 Governments Create Calamity, Markets Get the Blame Bad IMF policies caused Argentina's economic crisis. January 2, 2002 Organization of Milk Exporting States Government support of dairy farming in the Northeast hurts both producers and consumers everywhere else. December 17, 2001 Trade Promotion Authority Promotes Economic Growth TPA allows the President to negotiate trade agreements with other countries that are in America's interest. December 11, 2001 Success Abroad Relies on Strength at Home Uncertainty, a lack of consumer confidence, and a jittery stock market have slowed economic growth. November 25, 2001 Trade, Terror and Truth Free trade could be an important part of the war on terror. October 3, 2001 G-8 Leaders Ignore Real Problems IMF policies are partly responsible for global recession. July 24, 2001 Paul Beckner Letter to House of Representatives to Support Trade Promotion Authority TPA is a power the President absolutely must have to open borders and benefit consumers. June 21, 2001 PNTR Letter to Congress America should have trade relations with China, the world's most populous market. January 1, 2001 Capitol Comment 177 - The U.S. Should Bail Out of the IMF American taxpayers should not foot the bill for the policy mistakes of other countries. March 6, 1998 Issue Analysis 66 - The Sanctification of Sanctions Will Prohibiting Trade Prevent Religious Persecution? October 30, 1997 Capitol Comment 171 - Free Trade: Fast Track to Prosperity Renewal of fast track is crucial so that the U.S. can negotiate agreements that lower trade barriers overseas. October 13, 1997 Capitol Comment 160 - Can You Differentiate a Taxpayer From a Consumer at the Grocery Store? The sugar program costs consumers billions in higher food prices. June 13, 1997 Issue Analysis 33A - Don't Break the China Why Continued MFN Status Helps Americans and Chinese June 13, 1997 Capitol Comment 159 - Why America Should Renew MFN for China Over time, trade with China promotes economic and social freedoms for Chinese. June 12, 1997			Big Mistake  A reversal of policy needed on steel. June 18, 2002 If Pundits Were Farmers . . .  Profligacy and protectionism are alive and well in D.C. June 18, 2002 Steel Trap  How Subsidies and Protectionism Weaken the U.S. Steel Industry March 1, 2002 The Case for Open Global Capital Markets  CATO Institute - Center for Trade Policy Studies March 15, 2001 America’s Record Trade Deficit  A Symbol of Economic Strength February 9, 2001 WTO Report Card  America’s Economic Stake in Open Trade April 30, 2000 Trade, Jobs, and Manufacturing  Why (Almost All) U.S. Workers Should Welcome Imports September 30, 1999 The Blessings of Free Trade  Free trade promotes economic efficiency and raises the standard of living. May 1, 1998 The Fast Track to Freer Trade  It makes sense for the President to have the authority to negotiate trade agreements. October 30, 1997