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 TRADE TOPICS
 Agriculture |  China | Corporate Sustainability | Import  | Free Trade Agreements  |  Security | TPA/Fast Track

Current
International
Trade Topics

Last updated: November 2007

China
In 2006 China became Washington State's largest trading partner in terms of trade volume. This section covers this dynamic trade relationship as well as current political issues impacting both countries.

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
As of November 2007, the United States has 4 pending FTAs (Peru, Panama, Colombia, and South Korea) that await final ratification votes from Congress before they can be implemented. FTAs help level the playing field for U.S. companies by lowering tariffs and resolving other non-tariff issues such as intellectual property rights, access to government contracts, and environmental/labor provisions.

TPA (Fast Track)
Trade Promotion Authority (also known as "Fast Track") is a mechanism that Congress can provide to the President to enable him to create more efficient international trade policy. The most recent version of "Fast Track" expired on July 1, 2007. This section further explains "Fast Track" and it's current status in the legislative progress.

World Trade Organization (WTO) and Doha Round of Negotiations
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

The Relationship between International Trade and Jobs
WCIT acknowledges that there communities in the United States that have been negatively impacted by outsourcing and international trade. However, the facts also show that international trade also leads a much greater degree of job creation and economic prosperity for Americans. WCIT is committed to programs that provide for worker retraining and is proud of Washington State companies for their leadership in this area.