Trade and the American Worker: A Primer

U.S. world trade has tripled to nearly four trillion dollars:  U.S. trade with the world tripled between 1993 and 2007.  In this period, U.S. trade in goods and services rose from $1.4 trillion to just under $4 trillion.  U.S. exports during this period increased by over 150%, rising from $643 billion to $1.6 trillion.  Each day, the United States conducts nearly $11 billion in trade.  (Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce)

 

The United States is the world's leading exporter:  While Germany and China lead in merchandise exports (manufactures and agricultural products), the U.S. still leads the world in total exports.  In 2007, the United States exported $1.6 trillion in goods and services.  (Source: World Trade Organization)

 

Economic growth has been strong:  While tracing the implications of NAFTA and the WTO for U.S. economic growth is difficult, it's more difficult to say they hurt it.  Since January 1, 1994, U.S. GDP has expanded by 54%. (Source: International Monetary Fund)