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: Colombia Deserves a Vote Now
Dallas (April 10)—Following the House vote to change trade procedures, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement: “For 16 months, the Democratic congressional leadership has avoided dealing with the Colombia FTA, and changing the rules of the game today continues their avoidance. At a time when exports are driving America’s economic growth, we should be doing everything we can to open more markets, especially those in our own hemisphere.” (More)
File Photo
Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on February 2008 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report
Dallas (April 10)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued a statement on the release of the February 2008 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Department’s Bureau of the Census and Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report shows that February U.S. exports increased by 20.8 percent over February 2007 to $151.4 billion, while February imports increased 16.4 percent to $213.7 billion from the February 2007 level. (More) (Fact Sheet)
American Workers, Farmers and Manufacturers Deserve a Vote in Support of Exports, Says Gutierrez
Washington (April 9)—At a White House press conference Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez joined Administration colleagues in delivering brief remarks regarding the Colombia free trade agreement: “It is profoundly disappointing that Democratic congressional leadership is choosing to change the rules in the middle of the game. We need to stand up for American interests rather than special interests. American workers, farmers and manufacturers deserve a vote in support of exports.” (More) (White House Transcript)
President Signs Letter to Transmit Legislation to Implement the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
Washington (April 7)—President George W. Bush signed a letter to Congress that will transmit legislation to implement the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The President stated, “This agreement will advance America's national security interests in a critical region. It will strengthen a courageous ally in our hemisphere. It will help America's economy and America's workers at a vital time. It deserves bipartisan support from the United States Congress.” (Presidential Remarks) (Fact Sheet) (Secretarial Statement)
USTR Photo
Schwab Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (April 4)—U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Colombia where they met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, local labor leaders, members of the business community, demobilized combatants, as well as supporters and opponents of the U.S. – Colombia FTA. Schwab is pictured with the delegation at the El Trigal Flower Farm. Colombian flowers are just one example of Colombian exports which currently enter U.S. markets duty-free. The FTA would level the playing field for American exports into Colombia. (Colombia FTA)
