History of World Trade Month

World Trade Week was an idea that was born in 1926, during a time when isolationism dominated U.S policy and popular opinion. The manager of the World Trade Department in Los Angeles conceived the idea originally to promote the growth of southern California ports. World Trade Week soon expanded its scope reaching national proportions with President Franklin D. Roosevelt giving a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third week in May as World Trade Week. In the wake of World War II, the growing American economy, increased international commerce and expanding global markets caused international trade to take a larger role in U.S. policy and popular opinion. World Trade Week became more widely celebrated amongst the business and government communities.

Since then, World Trade Week has continued to expand its scope and influence, now encompassing the entire month of May and celebrated by businesses, associations and governments around the world.

The Commercial Service and International Trade Administration recognize the entire month of May as World Trade Month. U.S. exports, free and fair trade, with a special focus this year on Free Trade Agreements are celebrated during the month of May throughout the world. This year’s trade agenda includes the pending Colombia, Korea, and Panama Free Trade Agreements.

For more information on Free Trade Agreements, visit www.freetradeagreements.gov