Peddling Nonsense on Free Trade
Friday, February 29th, 2008 By Marc KilmerThe Democratic presidential primary campaign throughout Ohio seems focused on one issue — trade. Unfortunately, both candidates seem to be misinformed on the benefits of lowering trade barriers and allowing businesses and consumers more freedom to trade across political borders. The benefits of free trade are substantial and they are fairly indisputable. Of course, as this Chicago Tribune article points out, neither Democratic candidate for President seems aware of this.
The Tribune article mentions that Buckeye Institute research indicates that NAFTA has been a plus for Ohio. Here is a 2004 article by Joseph Zoric with a little more information:
In the case of Ohio, exports to NAFTA countries increased from just under $10 billion in 1993 to nearly $19 billion in 2003. Canada is Ohio’s largest export market while Mexico is second. The state’s most important exports to Mexico are vehicles, machinery, plastic, glass, rubber and steel.These are all industries that support high paying manufacturing jobs.On the agricultural side, corn exports from Ohio to Mexico increased by two and a half times between 1994 and 2001. The major agricultural exports of the state are soybeans, feed grains, wheat, vegetables, and live animals and meat. All these products would benefit from a further liberalization of trade in the Americas and around the world.
Tags: Trade
