Trade and the American Worker: A Primer

 

More than 27 million new jobs:  U.S. employment has risen from 111 million in 1993 to 138 million in 2007.  This represents an increase of more than 27 million jobs, or a 24% expansion in the number of Americans working.  (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

 

Unemployment has declined:  By the historical standards of the past four decades, U.S. unemployment has been relatively low in the years since January 1994.  In 1994-2007, U.S. unemployment averaged 5.1%.  This compares with an average rate of 7.1% during 1982-1993. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

 

NAFTA and the WTO didn't do this, but they certainly didn't hurt:  Did NAFTA and the WTO lead to the creation of 27 million jobs or reduce unemployment by two percentage points?  No.  During a time of dramatic changes in the U.S. economy, it is difficult to trace their impact on the job market.  But lower foreign trade barriers certainly fostered growth in export-oriented jobs, and such jobs generally pay 15-20% higher wages than those that aren't tied to exports.  (Source: Office of the U.S. Trade Representative)