About Trade
"Free and fair trade helps secure a future of freedom and promise."
President George W. Bush
World Trade Week Proclomation
May 16, 2008
News Highlights
Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Praises Panama’s Role in New Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas Initiative
Washington (Oct. 23)—In remarks to the U.S.-Panama Business Council, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez noted that Panama is an important friend, ally and trading partner. “We are very pleased that Panama has agreed to host the first Ministerial in December, Gutierrez said. In his remarks, he discussed the potential for increased U.S.-Panama trade and investment, citing Panama’s high growth rate and the pending U.S.-Panama free trade agreement. (More)
White House Photo
President Bush Signs Andean Trade Preference Act Extension
Washington (Oct. 16)—President George W. Bush signed H.R. 7222, the Andean Trade Preference Act Extension in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The bill will extend the Generalized Systems of Preferences (GSP), designed to help developing countries expand their market presence and strengthen their economies, and the Andean Trade Pact, which waives duties on imports from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in accordance with a 1991 law. Looking on are Ambassador Susan Schwab, the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (President’s Remarks)
Secretary Gutierrez Statement on August 2008 Trade Data
São Paulo, Brazil (Oct. 10)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement on the release of the August 2008 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Department’s U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Today’s report shows that U.S. exports in August were $164.7 billion, an increase of 15.9 percent over August 2007. Imports in August were $223.9 billion, an increase of 13.4 percent over August 2007. (More)
Commerce Assistant Secretary Highlights Free Trade Agreements, Importance of U.S. Exports
Washington (Oct. 7)—U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary William G. Sutton addressed the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute's Fall Meeting. Sutton emphasized the vital role free trade agreements (FTAs) play in growing U.S. manufacturing exports and ensuring American manufacturers have fair access to emerging global markets. The United States has pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. (More)
