U.S. Chamber Launches Web site for World Trade Month

Will Serve as Comprehensive Clearinghouse on the Importance of Trade

WASHINGTON, DC-The United States Chamber of Commerce today launched a Web site to highlight the importance of trade to businesses and the U.S. economy as the Chamber joins a number of organizations to commemorate May as World Trade Month.

"Trade means jobs and prosperity across America. Our exports directly support 12 million good-paying jobs and indirectly support millions of other jobs," said Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman (ret.), Chamber senior vice president for international affairs. "Imports keep inflation low and expand consumer choice and quality. Foreign companies investing in the United States directly employ 5.1 million Americans and millions more indirectly."

The Web site hosts information on how trade directly affects all Americans and highlights the specific benefits for small businesses, farmers, and workers. The site contains links to resources that will help people expand their businesses through trade, a list of World Trade Month events occurring throughout the country, and a 25-question quiz on the benefits of international trade.

"Because our market is so open, free trade agreements (FTAs) negotiated by the United States truly do level the playing field for American workers, farmers, and businesses," said Christman. "Today, just under half of U.S. exports go to markets where they enter duty free thanks to FTAs. And exports to FTA partners are growing nearly twice as fast as our exports to the rest of the world."

Trade is especially important for smaller companies, which account for 97% of U.S. exporters, according to the Chamber. Last year alone, 225,000 small companies sold more than $200 billion worth of "Made in America" goods overseas. Through its TradeRoots program, the nation's first permanent trade education program, the Chamber is working with smaller companies to provide the tools they need to export and enlist them in supporting open trade.

The U.S Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

The U.S. Chamber Trade Month Web site can be viewed at: http://www.trademonth.com/.

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