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Understanding Trade: Key Facts and Terms

Trade is an important engine for U.S. economic growth and jobs. With more than 30 percent of U.S. GDP tied to international trade
and investment, 95 percent of the world’s population abroad, and more than one in five U.S. jobs supported by trade, U.S. engagement in the international marketplace is more important to our nation’s economy than ever before.
 
But the policy conversation on and language of trade is often complex and sometimes can be confusing. To foster understanding, Business Roundtable has updated this handy reference guide. It is designed to help further the work that must be done to achieve the following critical goals: 
 
  • Craft and pursue U.S. trade and investment policies and initiatives that help American companies and workers compete in the global marketplace, further rules-based, two-way trade, and ensure U.S. and foreign markets remain open for trade and investment;
  • Address market access barriers and discriminatory treatment of U.S. exporters and investments;
  • Enforce U.S. rights under international trade and investment rules; and
  • Use the tools of trade and investment to help further the economic development of countries and peoples around the world, especially the world’s poor. 
 
If you need additional copies of this reference guide or want to know more about the benefits of trade and see other Business Roundtable resources, visit: www.brt.org.

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