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World Trade Month

 

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The International Trade Administration (ITA) joins the world in celebrating World Trade Month during the month of May.  This year’s observation comes at a unique time in our nation’s history.

ITA is leading an aggressive program by President Obama called the National Export Initiative (NEI), an unprecedented effort to aid in the nation’s economic recovery and generate jobs by doubling U.S. exports by 2015.  The path to recovery is steadfast and American competitiveness along with international trade plays a key role.  With more than 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside U.S. borders, and with the new and growing middle class expanding around the globe, more than one billion new consumers will emerge during the next 15 years.

Along with trade programs and events taking place the entire month, President Obama’s Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), comprised of 18 federal trade promotion agencies including the U.S. Department of Commerce, will transmit the 2011 National Export Strategy (NES) to the U.S. Congress.  This year’s NES report contains an update on the Export Promotion Cabinet and the TPCC’s progress to implement the NEI over the past year, several key recommendations for TPCC agencies and Congress and suggested legislative changes to help American businesses rebound from the past recession to ultimately strengthen our nation’s economy.    

The NES demonstrates an unprecedented level of government accountability and interagency transparency and marks the first time all 18 agencies have agreed on common metrics to measure export promotion –a monumental achievement. This cooperation and transparency is sure to have a positive effect on exports, as we’re already seeing with President Obama’s NEI.

Passing the Korea, Colombia and Panama trade agreements, which will open three important markets for U.S businesses, is a critical step to helping more U.S. companies export and can help make is easier for America’s small and mid-sized companies to globally compete.  Another step involves increasing cooperation with state, metropolitan area, and border community trade agencies – a strategy that will give businesses interested in exporting the support they need, and where they need it most.

Join us in celebrating World Trade Month today, during the month of May and all year long.  Together, we will ensure the competitiveness of U.S. business through international trade.

World Trade Month Highlights

The International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, manages this global trade site to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. This site contains PDF documents. A PDF reader is available from Adobe Systems Incorporated.