Despite the economic benefits of more than 60 years of an increasingly more open world trading system, political opposition to increased international trade is as strong as ever in the U.S. and around the world.
A recent U.S. national survey examining consumer attitudes toward free trade indicates that ‘the issue is being redefined for American consumers – largely by critics of various agreements that have come to symbolize free trade.’ According to the survey summary, opponents of trade agreements utilize a very specific list of familiar criticisms that have created a vote of no-confidence in U.S. negotiators.
Supporters have not used effectively specific language and symbols that frame an effective debate. ‘The state of debate could be characterized as a one-sided debate.’ The data does suggest that a clearer free trade case can be made. Americans are ‘persuadable’ if the case for trade is made with explicit and specific information, including examples relevant to their daily lives.
During the election season in 2008 TATT is developing and posting a monthly Free Trade Facts backgrounder.
Free Trade Facts will each highlight one trade benefit. The ‘trade benefit’ will be supported by key economic impact data relevant to the topic. One or more relevant anecdotal illustrations of the trade benefit will be included to ‘put a face’ on the trade benefit – providing a relevant ‘connect’ for the consumer to help us understand how trade does impact and benefit our lives.
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