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Five things you should know about U.S. trade policies Q&A with Leslie M. Schweitzer, senior trade advisor, U.S. Chamber of commerce As a senior trade advisor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Leslie M. Schweitzer knows a thing or two about international trade and the opportunities for stateside companies overseas. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the U.S. it takes an assault, business style, on two fronts: break down foreign trade barriers and keep home-based markets open. Schweitzer walked the thin line during the 36th South Carolina International Trade Conference, which was held May 26-28 in Charleston, S.C. Here’s a snap-shot of her take on the current world and domestic trade environment. CBN: Where does the new administration stand on international trade? LS: President Obama has become a defender of the value of trade. We’re very positive about what’s happening. We’ve had some very good appointments made in key areas. Former Gov. Locke of the state of Washington is the new Secretary of Commerce, a good pro-trade supporter. And the new U.S. Trade Representative is the former mayor of Dallas, Ron Kirk. Again, a good free-trader who understands that a business has to be able to expand into world markets. CBN: What’s up with NAFTA? LS: We’re cautiously optimistic about what’s going on. We have seen a change in the viewpoint, where instead of NAFTA being a punching bag, we’re hearing a more reasonable approach of getting the three countries together to discuss how it can be improved. NAFTA’s a 15-year-old agreement, it’s not perfect and there are many problems with it. We can’t opt out of it, and we can’t renegotiate it, but we can get the parties together. President Obama recently took his first international trip, to Canada, and came back and said we need to open discussions regarding NAFTA but we will do it without interrupting commerce. CBN: What overseas opportunities exist for American companies? LS: Every country in the world right now is passing its own stimulus package and there are many opportunities for American companies. For example, in China, to accommodate the movement of 300 million rural Chinese into the cities during the next 15 years, China requires infrastructure to be built equal to the size of the city of Houston every month. That means roads, airport, seaports all the items that go into building cities and infrastructure. There is tremendous opportunity for American companies to take advantage of that. CBN: What role will china play in world trade? LS: Any focus on China needs to be cautious and thoughtful because the ramifications are huge. China is our fastest-growing export market. Goods and services flowing to China are growing five-times faster than with any other country. It is our second overall trading partner. Auto experts estimate that the Chinese automobile market will be bigger than the U.S. market by 2025. CBN: How do we get out of the current financial mess? LS: If America wants to survive in this new economy it has to get its competitive house in order. Increased global trade could be the No. 1 antidote to help deal with this current financial crisis. Seventy-six years ago [in May] President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the first World Trade Week. It was a formal proclamation that was intended to underscore the importance of international involvement. The country was facing a wave of protectionism and isolationism, and it made enormous sense then, as it does now, to engage the world and to not close our borders to trade and commerce. Peter Hull	In This Issue Up Front News, Trends & Analysis New Items The Growth Paradox Supply Chain Industries to watch Trade compliance in the workplace Logistics costs dropped in 2008 Overseas trade experts have some tips for you Five things you should know about U.S. trade policy Supply Chain product review Inventory container management Features Gateway at a glance U.S. Northeast Bulk Up Ports & infrastructure Port of Seattle nets new container business Clean trucks at your ports: How to pay for them? Port Product Review Project cargo equipment Commentary Are we thinking inside or outside the box? On the horizon: Wave Energy - A future power source for your port Casualties
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Five things you should know about U.S. trade policies