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Trade, Commerce secretaries release state-by-state look at trade, jobs and economics as Trade Promotion Authority discussion continues and TPP, TTIP wait

Janell Thomas 1, E-Content Editor

April 10, 2015

2 Min Read

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman on Thursday released "The United States of Trade," a look at what impact exports have on the U.S., broken down by state.

Related: Ag rallies for Trade Promotion Authority as TPP talks continue

The report focuses on success stories of small and medium size businesses in the U.S., including ag-based operations, and shows that the number of jobs supported by goods exports continues to rise by state.

The report comes as the Obama Administration and several trade and interest groups put pressure on Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority, a measure that allows Congress an up or down vote on agreed-upon trade deals.

Proponents of TPA say it provides trading partners certainty that what's included in a final agreement won't be altered by Congressional amendments, though some legislators fear it does not provide the most transparent approval process.

TPA is a stepping stone to approval of trade deals currently in negotiation, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

TPP is nearing the final stages of negotiations and is mostly supported by agriculture, though the National Farmers Union is concerned it could exacerbate currency manipulation by trading partners.

The new report details the most current interactive data for all 50 states on the overall value of goods exports and on exports to countries involved in the TPP and TTIP.

Also included is data on the number of exporters and the percent of exporters that are small- or medium-sized businesses.

The report was released in conjunction with the Jobs Supported by State Exports 2014 economic brief from the Department of Commerce, which showed that 43 states registered increases in the number of jobs supported by goods exports from 2009-2014.

"From coast to coast, exports have played a critical role in economic growth and creating jobs in America," said Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. "The reports we are releasing today demonstrate the impact of exports on American communities large and small."

Related: Vilsack: TPP, Chinese policy key trade issues for U.S. ag

Pritzker touted the Obama trade agenda, which includes "opportunities for our businesses to sell their goods and services to the 95% of consumers who live outside the U.S.," she said. The agenda also includes TPA passage and trade agreements that focus on U.S. competitiveness and national security.

"This report shows that the President's trade agenda puts American workers first," said U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman. "In every state across the country good-paying jobs are tied to "Made in America" exports.

The report "tells the story of American small businesses that will benefit from tearing down trade barriers in markets around the globe, and this is where we see a lot of opportunity for growth and more trade supported jobs. With the Trans-Pacific Partnership we have a once-in-a-generation chance to unleash the economic potential of American small businesses and to level the playing field for our workers," Froman said.

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