In a little over a week, we will gather together with loved ones for a uniquely American holiday to give thanks across the country. Of the many things we are grateful for, trade may not be the first to come to mind, but with one out of every five U.S. jobs depending on trade, we actually should be thankful for it.
Over the past few decades trade has become a maligned issue. But the old talking points mask the truth about how trade is growing the U.S. economy and creating jobs. In 2012 exports of goods and services supported some 11.3 million jobs, an increase of 1.6 million jobs since 2009. In fact, trade-related employment grew 6.5 times faster than overall employment.
And those who think trade has benefited only big corporations miss the fact that Main Street businesses have actually been the biggest beneficiaries. In fact, 98 percent of U.S. exporters are small and medium-sized companies. If you want to know how trade impacts your local economy, the U.S. International Trade Administration has highlighted
There is an opportunity to really boost these benefits if Congress acts to update our trade policies, and work with the Administration on trade agreements that will benefit U.S. workers and businesses. Instead of the same, tired voices on both sides of the issue reverberating inside the Beltway, lawmakers need to hear from voices in communities across our country speaking up about how trade has benefitted their businesses and their communities.
That’s why we are joining the social media effort today, Tuesday, November 18, organized by partners of the initiative. It’s our hope that we can bring the voices of everyday folks into the upcoming debate to show how trade is helping businesses from Main Street to Silicon Valley expand into new markets abroad, driving growth and new job creation here at home. As we give thanks for the many things we are grateful for, we hope you’ll take a moment to join in and say why you are .