Washington, D.C. – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today welcomed the announcement by the Department of Commerce that U.S. exports set a new record, reaching $2.3 trillion in 2013 and marking the fourth consecutive year of export growth. The NFTC also welcomed the news that the U.S. trade deficit decreased by more than $63 billion.
NFTC President Bill Reinsch released the following statement.
“We are encouraged that for the fourth year in a row the United States has achieved record growth in U.S. goods and services exports. More exports mean more American jobs and economic growth nationwide, all of which are critical to driving sustained economic recovery.
“To continue maximizing U.S. export growth, we must further expand market access through trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Trade in Services Agreement and negotiations to eliminate tariffs on environmental goods. These initiatives will give the United States greater access to some of the largest economies in the world, benefiting the U.S. economy and American businesses and workers.
“Modernized Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation is essential to ensuring that our negotiators can deliver the most economically beneficial results in these and future trade deals. We urge Congress and the Administration to work together to take action on TPA as soon possible this year.”
About the NFTC
Serving America’s International Businesses Since 1914 – The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules- based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
