On the Road Again: Four Goals for the new U.S. Trade Representative

Publication Date: May 2006

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Tim Kane

Research Area: Trade

Keywords: Trade and foreign aid; senate; globalization

Type: Brief

Abstract:

Susan Schwab began work this week as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) at a difficult time for free trade. Free traders have promised results for decades, and an honest assessment says they were right. Globalization is enhancing prosperity everywhere, and lowering trade barriers promotes broad prosperity for the poor and rich alike. But reality and perceptions are far apart in Washington, making the free trade argument tougher than ever. After months of delay, the Senate finally approved Schwab, just as souring economies in Europe may offer yet another obstacle to further trade liberalization.