November

As friends and families gather this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, Americans across the country are being swept up in the holiday spirit, taking advantage of black Friday deals, decorations, turkeys, and other festive holiday foods. USTR would like to take this time to give thanks for all of the advances in trade that have recently been accomplished– important advances that support American jobs.

Last month, USTR worked with congress and our trading partners overseas to pass landmark trade legislation in the form of three trade agreements with Korea, Columbia, and Panama. These trade agreements, which negotiators are working to bring into force quickly, will promote exports to these expanding markets and support the creation of new jobs here at home.

Just last week, United States Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk joined President Obama at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial and Economic Leaders’ meetings in Honolulu, Hawaii. APEC’s 21-member economies make up 44 percent of world trade and include six out of America’s 10 largest trading partners. At the APEC Ministerial, Ambassador Kirk hosted trade negotiators from member economies and advanced work towards reducing trade barriers in the Asia-Pacific region. In this latest round of talks, leaders made commitments to support sustainable growth and green jobs by developing a list of environmental goods on which APEC economies will reduce tariffs to 5 percent or less by 2015. Leaders also worked towards streamlining regulatory processes in order to reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses.

USTR also continues to work towards the completion of the cutting-edge, 21st century Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. On November 12, leaders of the nine TPP countries announced the broad outlines of the ambitious agreement. This framework includes new, cross-cutting trade issues such as regional agreements to facilitate the development of supply chains across TPP member countries and commitments to making regulation across economies more seamless and efficient. Leaders also promised to address concerns from small- and medium-sized businesses over how the complexity of trade agreements can prevent them from entering new markets. TPP countries are committed to the development of trade liberalization through a broad reduction of trade barriers.

Through efforts at APEC and with the TPP negotiations, USTR continues to strive to help American companies compete on a level playing field in foreign markets. Through these increased trade opportunities, companies will be able to support increased jobs all across the United States.

In December, Ambassador Kirk will travel to Geneva, Switzerland for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference. In Geneva, he will continue his work to reduce trade barriers and open markets for American businesses.

Even in the current challenging economic times, trade continues to support American jobs and open markets across the globe. The Obama Administration remains committed to helping American families prosper through the benefits provided by international trade, and will continue to advocate on their behalf this holiday season.

On October 13, Deputy United States Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro and European Union Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise Envoy Daniel Calleja Crespo opened the second United States–European Union (EU) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Best Practices Exchange. Now that the joint report from this conference has been finalized, we wanted to share the results of this valuable new initiative.

The two-day conference was held at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, in Washington. The conference included officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the EU’s Directorates General for Trade and for Enterprise and Industry; officials from U.S. state and EU member state governments; and small business executives, including members of USTR’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee for Small and Minority Business (ITAC 11) and representatives of European SME associations.

Ambassador Sapiro speaks at the U.S.-EU SME Conference

The October 13-14 Best Practices Exchange, and the first SME meeting in Brussels in June, were launched under the auspices of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), with the goal of enhancing trade and investment opportunities for U.S. and EU SMEs. Small businesses are the engines of economic growth and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic, yet they face a number of challenges that can inhibit their ability to engage in international trade. These meetings launched an ongoing dialogue between the United States and the EU, aimed at developing cooperative initiatives to enhance small business participation in transatlantic trade, tackle trade barriers faced by SMEs in foreign markets, and exchange best practices on other policies of interest to small business, such as entrepreneurship and financing.

As a result of the two exchanges and discussions with stakeholders, the United States and EU agreed to take forward a number of initiatives. These include developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guiding joint small business trade promotion activities, such as joint trade shows and efforts to expand business partnerships in Europe and the United States; exploring opportunities for linking small business regional innovation clusters on both sides; exchanging information and best practices on entrepreneurship and training programs, and on small business finance and venture capital; and conducting future Best Practices Exchanges outside of Washington and Brussels, to engage a wider range of SMEs, with priority attention to issues such as protection of intellectual property, standard-setting, and challenges in transatlantic trade. The parties also discussed U.S. and EU cooperation to support SME trade in the Southern Mediterranean region. The full text of the United States–European Union SME Best Practices Exchange Joint Report to the TEC Co-Chairs may be found here.

Last week, Ambassador Sapiro visited Bogota, Colombia to formally launch the implementation phase of the U.S-Colombia trade agreement and to promote further progress on the implementation of the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. While there, she met with President Santos, Prosecutor General Morales, Labor Minister-designate Pardo, Presidential High Counselor Crane, and other senior officials.

Ambassador Sapiro Meets with Colombian Officials

In a visit to an Éxito supermarket in Bogota, Ambassador Sapiro met with workers who were directly hired by the company after the announcement of the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. Éxito is the nation’s largest retail chain, and Grupo Éxito, the parent company, is the number one private employer in Colombia, with over 62,000 employees. In 2007, Éxito received a local award for best company in Colombia in human resources management and has been named amongst the top five places to work in Colombia for the past three years. Ambassador Sapiro thanked Éxito representatives for demonstrating how Colombia’s Action Plan commitments have turned into concrete benefits for workers.

Ambassador Sapiro visits an Éxito supermarket

Later, Ambassador Sapiro visited a 3M facility in Bogotá and observed the scope of the company’s manufacturing capabilities. The facility is designed to display a wide range of 3M products and train professionals on their use. The products include medical supplies, secure IDs, protective gear, and reflective road signage. 3M Colombia officials described how the company will face a reduced tariff liability of over $1 million a year on its imports from the United States once the Colombia FTA enters into force. This will support U.S. jobs by making 3M products more competitive in Colombia and increase Colombian jobs by allowing 3M to reinvest in Colombia.

Ambassador Sapiro’s visit exhibited the United States’ commitment to labor rights with its trade partners and highlighted the benefits of the U.S.-Colombia trade agreement to American workers and businesses. Over 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Colombia will become duty free upon entry into force of the agreement with the remaining tariffs phased out within 10 years. The trade agreement will benefit agricultural and industrial sectors, amongst many, and provide access to Colombia’s $166 billion services market. The lifting of barriers to Colombia’s market means more jobs for American citizens.

SKAI Ventures is a Hawaii-based venture accelerator—a company which seek out new ideas and innovations with biomedical and biodefense applications to invest in, develop, and market as a finished product. Currently, SKAI Ventures portfolio companies include Eyegenix, TruTag Technologies, CBI Polymers, SKAI Vision Institute, Hawaii Endoscopy Institute, and the Eye Surgery Center of Hawaii. The three largest companies, Eyegenix, TruTag Technologies, and CBI Polymers, all export significantly to the Asia-Pacific region.

CBI Polymers — a company which developed and now markets a nuclear and chemical decontaminant called DeconGel — exported about $100,000 worth of products and services in 2011. Half of those exports were to markets in the Asia-Pacific region including Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Canada. However, SKAI Ventures portfolio companies, including CBI Polymers, often find difficulties in expanding to new markets in the Asia-Pacific region because of trade barriers and country-specific regulations.

Last week, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) Ministerial and Leaders’ Meetings in Honolulu, USTR worked with our APEC trade partners to begin to reduce barriers to trade in the Asia-Pacific region. President Obama worked with fellow APEC leaders on a set of principles to increase innovation and encourage more market access for new business and industries by streamlining and coordinating regulations. These reduced barriers will help companies like CBI Polymers to introduce their products into new markets and compete on a level playing field in those foreign markets.

Recently, CBI Polymers was able to work with the United States Department of Commerce to bring their DeconGel to Japan to aid in the cleanup efforts of the recent nuclear catastrophe. With more opportunities like this to bring their products to markets overseas, CBI Polymers and its parent company SKAI Ventures will be able to support additional jobs for workers in Hawaii.

Yesterday, Ambassador Kirk participated in a meeting of the President's Export Council (PEC).  He updated the PEC members on recent trade successes and initiatives. He wrote a guest blog post for WhiteHouse.gov about the meeting. You can read the post below.

Ambassador Kirk Updates the President's Export Council on 2011 Trade Updates and Initiatives 
Posted by Ambassador Ron Kirk on November 16, 2011 at 06:10 PM EST

Earlier today I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting of the President’s Export Council (PEC) at the White House. Members of the PEC gathered to strategize and discuss ways to reach the President’s goal of doubling our nation’s exports by the end of 2014. In addition, the private sector members of the PEC presented Administration officials with letters of recommendations on topics such as expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), Middle East/North Africa commercial engagement and workforce readiness. We thanked them for their ideas, and underscored the importance of their input to the Administration’s efforts to boost exports.

During the meeting I emphasized the milestone we reached with the signing of the recent trade agreements with Korea, Colombia,and Panama,as well as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Additionally, I highlighted the importance of the work with Congress that lies ahead to terminate the application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to Russia now that it will be formally invited to join the World Trade Organization next month.

Other senior officials joining me in today’s meeting were Commerce Secretary John Bryson, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Small Business Administrator Karen Mills, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank Fred Hochberg,and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro; along with White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley and Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Today’s meeting was live streamed on www.WhiteHouse.gov.

The PEC was established in 1973 by President Richard Nixon. The initial group consisted of 20 members, all of whom were business executives. Six years later, in 1979, President Jimmy Carter reconstituted and expanded the PEC. Council membership grew to the current roster of 48 members and was extended to include leaders of the labor and agriculture communities, members of Congress, and members of the executive branch.

Ambassador Ron Kirk is the United States Trade Representative

This week, The Office of the United States Trade Representative concluded the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial and Economic Leaders’ meetings. Below is what people are saying about the important initiatives announced during the meetings.

American Automotive Policy Council

Information Technology Industry Council

MPAA

National Foreign Trade Council

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

In a world where 95 percent of consumers reside outside our borders, APEC comprises 40 percent of the global population. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for U.S. exports and receives over 70 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. Many of these dynamic economies are growing faster than the world average and together generate 56 percent of global GDP in 2010.

Indiana’s goods exports in 2010 totaled $29 billion. Of Indiana’s total exports, $18 billion, or 63 percent, went to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The top three product categories to APEC member economies exported in 2010 were transportation equipment, machinery, and chemical manufactures.

Indiana Exported $18 Billion in Goods to Asia-Pacific Countries in 2010:

Goods Exports Support Jobs for Indiana Workers: Jobs supported by Indiana’s goods exports are estimated to be 238,000 (2008 data are the latest available). Nearly one-quarter (22.7 percent) of all manufacturing workers in Indiana depend on manufacturing exports for their jobs (2009 data are the latest available). Although not measured, there are also additional jobs supported by Indiana’s exports of services.

A total of 6,558 companies exported goods from Indiana locations in 2008. Of those, 5,619 (86 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with fewer than 500 employees.

Small and medium-sized firms generated 19 percent of Indiana’s total exports of merchandise in 2008. Notably, small and medium-sized firms benefit from the tariff-elimination provisions of free trade agreements. The transparency obligations, particularly those in the customs chapters, are vital to small and medium-sized firms, which may not have the resources to navigate customs and regulatory red tape.

On November 12, 2011, the Leaders of the nine Trans-Pacific Partnership countries – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States – announced the achievement of the broad outlines of an ambitious, 21st-century Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement that will enhance trade and investment among the TPP partner countries, promote innovation, economic growth and development, and support the creation and retention of jobs.

See statements below.

Business Roundtable

Cargill

Emergency Committee for American Trade

New Democrat Coalition

Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)

Rep. Adam Smith, WA-9

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-2

Oceanit is a small business located throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Founded in 1985, Oceanit is one of Hawaii's largest and most diversified science and engineering companies. The company owns state of the art facilities for nanotechnology, biology, laser/optics and electronics. Focusing on innovation, Oceanit employees work primarily in the aerospace, life sciences, engineering, and information systems fields.

Nanite by Oceanit at APEC 2011 Ministerial and Economic Leaders' Meeting

Oceanit relies on trade with countries within the Asia-Pacific region, specifically Hong Kong, for part of its sales. Trade enables Oceanit to generate external revenues and to diversify their research, allowing the company to continue to create U.S. innovations that lead the world.

Currently, exports account for less than 5 percent of Oceanit’s sales; however the company hopes to find success in within the Asia-Pacific region. Oceanit, which has an exhibit at the 2011 APEC Ministerial and Economic Leaders’ meeting, is looking to expand exports to additional APEC member economies.

Through APEC, USTR is working to remove trade barriers and open markets for small businesses like Oceanit. As the Obama Administration works to expand trade relations in APEC, Oceanit will be able to hire additional employees, create more innovative technologies, and continue to keep America competitive.

You can learn more about APEC 2011 initiatives by visiting USTR’s APEC 2011 webpage here.

In a world where 95 percent of consumers reside outside our borders, APEC comprises 40 percent of the global population. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for U.S. exports and receives over 70 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. Many of these dynamic economies are growing faster than the world average and together generate 56 percent of global GDP in 2010.

Louisiana’s goods exports in 2010 totaled $41 billion. Of Louisiana’s total exports, $21 billion, or 50 percent, went to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The top three product categories to APEC member economies exported in 2010 were agricultural products, chemical manufactures, and petroleum and coal products.

Louisiana Exported $21 Billion in Goods to Asia-Pacific Countries in 2010:

Goods Exports Support Jobs for Louisiana Workers: Jobs supported by Louisiana’s goods exports are estimated to be 228,000 (2008 data are the latest available). One fifth (19.9 percent) of all manufacturing workers in Louisiana depend on manufacturing exports for their jobs (2009 data are the latest available). Although not measured, there are also additional jobs supported by Louisiana’s exports of services.

A total of 2,724 companies exported goods from Louisiana locations in 2008. Of those, 2,338 (86 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with fewer than 500 employees.

Small and medium-sized firms generated almost one-third (29 percent) of Louisiana’s total exports of merchandise in 2008. Notably, small and medium-sized firms benefit from the tariff-elimination provisions of free trade agreements. The transparency obligations, particularly those in the customs chapters, are vital to small and medium-sized firms, which may not have the resources to navigate customs and regulatory red tape.

In a world where 95 percent of consumers reside outside our borders, APEC comprises 40 percent of the global population. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for U.S. exports and receives over 70 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. Many of these dynamic economies are growing faster than the world average and together generate 56 percent of global GDP in 2010.

Pennsylvania’s goods exports in 2010 totaled $35 billion. Of Pennsylvania’s total exports, $21 billion, or 61 percent, went to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The top three product categories to APEC member economies exported in 2010 were Chemical, Machinery, and Primary Metal Manufactures.

Pennsylvania Exported $21 Billion in Goods to Asia-Pacific Countries in 2010:

Goods Exports Support Jobs for Pennsylvania Workers: Jobs supported by Pennsylvania’s goods exports are estimated to be 271,000 in 2008 (latest data available). Over one-sixth (17.4 percent) of all manufacturing workers in Pennsylvania depend on manufacturing exports for their jobs in 2009 (latest data available). Although not measured, there are also additional jobs supported by Pennsylvania’s exports of services.

A total of 13,139 companies exported goods from Pennsylvania in 2008. Of those, 11,720 (89 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with fewer than 500 employees.

Small and medium-sized firms generated one-third (34 percent) of Pennsylvania’s total exports of merchandise in 2008. Notably, small and medium-sized firms benefit from the tariff-elimination provisions of free trade agreements. The transparency obligations, particularly those in the customs chapters, are vital to small and medium-sized firms, which may not have the resources to navigate customs and regulatory red tape.

This year, Sopogy was the APEC Honolulu technology showcase winner in recognition of Sopogy’s success in revolutionizing solar and thermal technology using MicroCSP systems.

Sopogy manufactures concentrating solar thermal technologies, or MicroCSP systems, which use mirrors to intensify solar heat. The heat generated by these mirrors is used to create process heat, solar air conditioning, or electrical power. A relatively new technology, Sopogy’s MicroCSP systems have cut the cost of solar thermal energy systems to a fraction of the cost.

Much of Sopogy’s business comes from international markets with around 80 percent of their exports going to markets in the Asia-Pacific region including Mexico, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and China. Currently, Sopogy regularly faces trade barriers in the Asia-Pacific region that affects their competitiveness.

One of the priority goals of the United States over the past year as APEC host has been to reduce trade barriers in order to create a seamless Asia-Pacific regional economy. In support of this goal, this week at the APEC Ministerial and Leaders’ Meetings in Honolulu, USTR is working with our APEC partners to try to reduce trade barriers in the Asia-Pacific region. Lowered barriers would allow companies like Sopogy to compete in foreign markets without high tariffs and other non-tariff trade barriers affecting their competitiveness.

With an increased ability to compete in foreign markets, Sopogy would be able to expand their business and support Hawaiian jobs.

“Since much of our business is international, we need the support of trade in our business. This enables us to continue to grow our business in the U.S. promoting new job creation,” said President and CEO of Sopogy Darren T. Kimura.

For more information on APEC, visit USTR’s APEC2011 page.

Today, Ambassador Kirk held various bilateral meetings during the APEC Ministerial and Economic Leaders’ meeting. See pictures below.

Ambassador Kirk and Chinese Minister Chen

Ambassador Kirk and Indonesian Minister Wirjawan

Ambassador Kirk and Singaporean Minister Lim

Ambassador Kirk and Japanese Minister Gemba

Ministers from the nine Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries met today in Honolulu, Hawaii on the margins of the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic and Leaders’ Meeting. This was the ministers’ last meeting before TPP leaders convene this weekend to assess progress in the TPP talks. Countries are seeking a high-standard, ambitious, 21st-century trade pact in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and set the goal of reaching the broad outlines of an agreement by this week’s APEC meeting.

USTR Hosts TPP Meeting on Margins of APEC Honolulu

Ambassadors Kirk and Marantis at the TPP Meeting on Margins of APEC Honolulu

In a world where 95 percent of consumers reside outside our borders, APEC comprises 40 percent of the global population. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for U.S. exports and receives over 70 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. Many of these dynamic economies are growing faster than the world average and together generate 56 percent of global GDP in 2010.

Today, USTR.gov is showcasing the importance of trade with the Asia-Pacific Region for Ohio’s businesses and workers.

Ohio’s goods exports in 2010 totaled $41 billion. Of Ohio’s total exports, $28 billion, or 68 percent, went to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The top three product categories to APEC member economies exported in 2010 were transportation equipment, chemical manufactures, and machinery manufactures.

Ohio Exported $28 Billion in Goods to Asia-Pacific Countries in 2010:

Goods Exports Support Jobs for Ohio Workers: Jobs supported by Ohio’s goods exports are estimated to be 371,000 (2008 data are the latest available). Over one-quarter (26.9 percent) of all manufacturing workers in Ohio depend on manufacturing exports for their jobs (2009 data are the latest available). Although not measured, there are also additional jobs supported by Ohio’s exports of services.

A total of 13,092 companies exported goods from Ohio locations in 2008. Of those, 11,678 (89 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with fewer than 500 employees.

Small and medium-sized firms generated more than one-fourth (24 percent) of Ohio’s total exports of merchandise in 2008. Notably, small and medium-sized firms benefit from the tariff-elimination provisions of free trade agreements. The transparency obligations, particularly those in the customs chapters, are vital to small and medium-sized firms, which may not have the resources to navigate customs and regulatory red tape.

Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Company provides Hawaiian-grown coffee and bottled water. The Hawaiian Isles Water and Kona Coffee brands are some of only a few Hawaii-inspired coffee and water products made entirely by local workers in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Isles currently exports roughly 8,000 cases of coffee and 35,000 cases of water to international markets every year with over 80 percent of that making it to markets in the Asia-Pacific region including Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Canada. Although this currently only represents a small percentage of their overall business, Hawaiian Isles has been looking for ways to expand their exports to allow them to grow their business and support Hawaiian jobs.

Currently, trade barriers in the Asia-Pacific region raise the cost of many Hawaiian Isles’ export products.

At APEC, USTR is working with our Asia-Pacific trading partners to address trade barriers and help companies like Hawaiian Isles compete on a level playing field.

“The opportunity to compete in other markets would provide a healthy growth in our sales and help us toward our vision of being a world leader in Hawaiian-based products,” said Glenn Boulware, Director of Business Development and Strategic Planning for Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Company.

With increased trade, Hawaiian Isles would be able to expand their business in the United States. The company relies heavily on U.S. workers for the manufacturing and distribution of their agricultural and natural products. An expansion in trade will therefore increase demand for both manufacturing equipment and employees, as well as production for their agricultural and natural products.

“This upgrade and expansion of our capabilities will mean the creation of additional jobs and even new jobs to meet the new demands of entering into new markets,” Boulware said.

In a world where 95 percent of consumers reside outside our borders, APEC comprises 40 percent of the global population. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market in the world for U.S. exports and receives over 70 percent of U.S. agricultural exports. Many of these dynamic economies are growing faster than the world average and together generate 56 percent of global GDP in 2010.

Today, USTR.gov is showcasing the importance of trade with the Asia-Pacific Region for New York's businesses and workers.

New York’s goods exports in 2010 totaled $70 billion. Of New York’s total exports, $34 billion, or 49 percent, went to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The top three product categories to APEC member economies exported in 2010 were miscellaneous products, machinery, and computer and electronic products.

New York Exported $34 Billion in Goods to Asia-Pacific Countries in 2010:

Goods Exports Support Jobs for New York Workers: Jobs supported by New York’s goods exports are estimated to be 293,000 (2008 data are the latest available). Over one-fifth (21.4 percent) of all manufacturing workers in New York depend on manufacturing exports for their jobs (2009 data are the latest available). Although not measured, there are also additional jobs supported by New York’s exports of services.

A total of 28,930 companies exported goods from New York locations in 2008. Of those, 27,265 (94 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with fewer than 500 employees.

Small and medium-sized firms generated more than half (55 percent) of New York’s total exports of merchandise in 2008. Notably, small and medium-sized firms benefit from the tariff-elimination provisions of free trade agreements. The transparency obligations, particularly those in the customs chapters, are vital to small and medium-sized firms, which may not have the resources to navigate customs and regulatory red tape.

Today, Ambassador Kirk penned a guest blog post for WhiteHouse.gov regarding this week's APEC meeting.  Read all about it below.

Addressing Trade Barriers in the Asia-Pacific Region and Supporting American Jobs Through Exports
Posted by Ron Kirk on November 09, 2011 at 05:02 PM EST

This week, the United States is hosting the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers and Economic Leaders’ Meetings in Honolulu, Hawaii. As President Obama’s lead negotiator and spokesperson on trade, I will host a meeting for my fellow APEC Trade Ministers in preparation for President Obama’s meeting with APEC Leaders later this week and to build on the success of the APEC Trade Ministers’ meeting held in Big Sky, Montana last May.

At Big Sky, the United States and its APEC trade partners identified ways to improve regulation and transparency, made advances on reducing trade barriers impacting environmental goods and services, and determined specific next-generation issues on ensuring how trade rules can reflect the realities of the region today. Tomorrow in Honolulu, my fellow Ministers and I will address key hindrances to trade for businesses across the Asia-Pacific in order to achieve these important goals. By making it easier for all our exporters to enter markets in APEC economies, we are helping businesses grow exponentially. This dynamic growth leads to further job creation across the region, including in the U.S. – an important component to President Obama’s economic policy.

One priority goal the United States has pursued this year is making the Asia-Pacific a seamless regional economy. In support of that goal, this week, we will ask our APEC trade partners to reduce barriers to trade for environmental goods and services, promote innovation policies that encourage competition and open markets, and improve their regulatory systems. Value-added improvements in these areas will make it easier for American businesses to export to the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the creation of much-needed American jobs.

While in Honolulu, we are also seeking solid progress with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which is a 21st-century agreement that tackles pressing trade concerns in new ways, addresses cross-cutting issues previously unaddressed in trade agreements, and benefits from an unprecedented level of stakeholder input. While APEC is a voluntary, cooperative forum where we can collectively tackle critical trade and investment topics in the Asia-Pacific, TPP parties are negotiating binding commitments and obligations which reflect our highest ambitions.

In considering trade in the 21st-century, TPP parties are discussing comprehensive issues like building regional production, promoting development, and facilitating the participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in global trade. By eliminating traditional barriers that prevent smaller businesses from entering the world marketplace, we are opening pathways for these enterprises to expand and grow through trade. If even just a few more businesses out of every hundred in America export, we will see a dramatic increase in jobs here in the United States.

This weekend, President Obama, in hosting meetings with his fellow APEC Leaders, will attempt to achieve these trade goals and grow American jobs through increasing export opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the meetings, USTR.gov will be updated in real time to keep you fully abreast of our work. Be sure to visit our APEC 2011 page and follow us on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information on the progress of APEC meetings in Hawaii.

Ron Kirk is the U.S. Trade Representative

This week, Ambassador Kirk will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers' and Economic Leaders’ Meetings. USTR.gov is highlighting the importance of trade within the Asia-Pacific region for America’s businesses and workers.

Since President Obama signed trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama into law, there has been increased awareness in our country about the importance and potential of international trade to support jobs here at home. Leaders around the world are looking toward trade as a path to economic growth and better jobs. The Asia-Pacific region is one that promises many benefits to the United States as we sell more made-in-America products abroad.

Home to more than 40 percent of the world’s population, Asia-Pacific nations have been working toward the goal of economic collaboration through a forum known as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC. This week, leaders from APEC’s 21 member economies will meet in Honolulu, Hawaii under chairmanship of the United States to discuss strengthening regional economic integration and trade expansion. United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, as well as Deputy U.S. Trade Representatives Demetrios Marantis and Michael Punke, will be there to advance ideas and policies that will help put more Americans back to work.

America’s top four country export markets are APEC member economies. Trade with these nations is important for America’s businesses to succeed in an ever increasingly globalized community.

The top two APEC export markets are our northern and southern neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Canada was the United States’ largest goods export market in 2010 with exports valued at more than $249 billion. Mexico comes in second with more than $163 billion in goods exports. China was the United States’ third largest goods export market in 2010, and goods exports to China were up at least 32 percent in 2010.

Two additional top export destinations are Japan and Korea. Top exports to Japan and Korea in 2010 include optic and medical equipment, electrical machinery, machinery, and aircraft. Agricultural products like coarse grains, red meats, and wheat were also important exports.

Trade leaders are looking for progress at the APEC Ministers' and Economic Leaders’ Meetings this week. Greater cooperation amongst the 21 member economies will translate into magnified benefits including increased U.S. export markets and additional opportunities for American businesses, manufactures, farmers, and service providers.