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
Gutierrez Tours the Port of Savannah to Highlight Pending Free Trade Agreements and American Export Growth
Savannah, Ga. (July 21)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today visited the Georgia Ports Authority to tour the port and highlight its role in transporting American goods for export. “Booming exports underscore the strength of American workers and American companies in the world marketplace,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “Exports continue to support American jobs and stimulate our economy in communities across the country.” The Secretary also authored an opinion editorial on trade and the need to pass pending free trade agreements in the Savannah Morning News. (Opinion Editorial)
Gutierrez on Colombia’s Independence Day: The Time to Vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is Now
Washington (July 20)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on the occasion of Colombia’s Independence Day with a call to Congress to schedule a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: “Freedom and democracy go hand in hand. As our nation celebrates with our Colombian friends and allies on their independence day, we reflect on the remarkable progress that they have made toward stability, social justice and peace. These are developments that all Americans should be proud to support. When Colombia is strong, secure and prosperous, so is the Western Hemisphere.” (More)
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Gutierrez Praises LULAC Support for Colombia FTA
Washington (July 17)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement praising the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for calling on Congress to schedule a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement: “I congratulate the leadership and membership of LULAC for recognizing the significance of the U.S.-Colombia FTA. Colombia is a staunch defender of democracy, and an important American ally and friend. As one of the nation’s leading Hispanic organizations, LULAC has sent an important signal that this agreement is right for Americans and right for Colombians. (Release)
Gutierrez Calls Colombia FTA an Economic and National Security Issue
Washington (July 9)—Citing the trade benefits to U.S. exporters, last week’s courageous rescue of the 15 hostages held by the FARC as the result of efforts by the Colombian government, and the dynamic turnaround of the Latin American nation, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today urged Congressional approval of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in remarks to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). (Remarks)
Under Secretary Padilla Discusses Need to Pass U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
Washington (July 1)—Under Secretary for International Trade Christopher A Padilla discusses the need to pass the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement at the Heritage Foundation. Since the United States and Colombia signed the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement—almost 600 days ago—U.S. exports to Colombia have faced an estimated $1.1 billion in taxes just to enter the Colombian market. That means that every single day, about $2 million dollars in taxes are placed on a variety of U.S. exports sent to the Colombian market, effectively undermining the competitiveness of American products. (More)
