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TAB Issue Area:  International Trade

International Trade has contributed significantly to the rapid growth we have enjoyed here in the United States. Consider the following facts:

Twelve million U.S. jobs depend on exports, one in 10 U.S. jobs is supported by trade

One in four American manufacturing jobs is supported by trade

Over a third of our agricultural products are exported, supporting a million workers.

Texas is now the number two exporting state in the entire country. More than 614,000 Texas jobs are tied directly or indirectly to international trade, and there were more than  117,000 Texas jobs tied directly to exports.

Texas exports reached $78.6 billion in 1998 and there is great potential for growth. Thus, continued exportation of goods is essential for the future of Texas and the continued  growth of Texas-based companies, both small and large.

Texas, with its abundant resources and room for growth, could continue to drive economic growth on the international business front for this country.

To that end, TAB is supporting a legislative international trade program that includes:

Border Environmental Quality. Continue support for cooperation and monitoring of environmental standards along the Texas/Mexico border to achieve a proper balance  which is equitable to Texas employers and border communities.

Fast track authority. Support legislation which expands free trade through renewal of presidential "fast track" authority and extension of NAFTA and other free trade  initiatives.

Immigration. Support legislation which increases H-1B Visa Caps to assure Texas employers access to a highly skilled workforce.

Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. Support Congressional approval of Permanent Normal Trade Relations status for China and urge the administration to  take appropriate action to enforce existing trade agreements with China.

Transportation. Support improved highways, ports of entry and other infrastructures that facilitate trade, tourism and other legitimate cross-border traffic between Texas  and Mexico; support development and funding of "international trade corridors" throughout Texas to accommodate current and future transportation demands resulting from the North American trade expansion.

Other Priorities

• Continue process of normalizing trade relations with Vietnam
• Oppose unilateral trade sanctions
• Promote free trade and address the globalization of the economy
• Support trade programs that help American companies to compete fairly with subsidized foreign competitors

International Trade Links