Obama's state of the union address contained the first words on trade policy that we've heard. Unfortunately, it was Clinton-Bush redux. More exports.
Third, we need to export more of our goods. Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America. So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support 2 million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a national export initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security. We have to seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. But realizing those benefits also means enforcing those agreements so our trading partners play by the rules. And that's why we'll continue to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens global markets, and why we will strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia.
Endorsement of the pending Free Trade Agreements. Endorsement of Doha. Never mind that the "export opportunity" mentality is really an offshoring result. Sounds good, but the data are horrible.
Enforcement of existing rules is good. But you can enforce to perfection and still have a bad problem.
Other countries simply don't drop their barriers. Nothing on currency, value added taxes, state managed economies, and the hundreds of tricks other countries use to keep our products out. Yet we open our borders in a "we'll lead and then they'll follow" bumbling/failed strategy.
Not good news. We need a totally new approach.
By DAN STRUMPF, AP Auto Writer
NEW YORK – Ford Motor Co. has halted production of some full-sized commercial vehicles in China because they contain gas pedals built by the same company behind the accelerators in Toyota Motor Corp.'s recent recall.
Ford spokesman Said Deep says the diesel version of its Transit Classic built by a Chinese joint venture contains accelerators built by Elkhart, Ind.-based CTS Corp. He says the vehicles began production in December. Only about 1,600 have been produced.
Deep says they are the only Ford vehicles that contain pedals made by CTS. He says Ford is investigating to determine its next step and the vehicles have not been recalled.
The vehicles are made by Ford's Jiangling Motors Co. joint venture in Nanchang in southeastern China.
The Coalition for a Prosperous America commends this resolution by the El Paso County Commissioners.
We would like to note the hard work of our Colorado Chapter, including: Dave Anderson, Tom Neppl, Duane Jensen, Frank Shannon, Mike Callicrate, Greg Snyder, and Jacek Popiev, in getting approval for this resolution.
Photo of County Commissioners Dennis Hisey, Amy Lathen, Sallie Clark, Wayne Williams and Jim Bensberg presenting resolution to local manufacturer representatives Duane Jensen, Tom Neppl and Dave Anderson.
Colorado Springs>, January 27, 2010 – The El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has unanimously passed a resolution asking for changes to existing U.S. trade policy. The resolution emphasizes that existing trade policy “…has hindered numerous domestic manufacturers and agricultural producers” resulting in “…massive trade deficits, stagnant worker wages and the loss of over seven million well-compensated jobs.”
March 2-4, The Coalition for a Prosperous America
Legislative Fly-In
CPA will hold its Second Annual Legislative Fly-In on March 2-4, 2010. This is a powerful opportunity for us to work together to advance trade reform in the halls of Congress. We need to bring the concerns of the grass roots to our legislators. This is efficient advocacy, well worth your time. We make all the meeting arrangements with legislators or their staff, we put together materials, we plan a message, and we pack meetings together in a concentrated period of time. You make a bigger impact with your time using only three of the 365 days in the year. Click here to sign up for the CPA Fly In. CPA has a special offer--limited time only: the first 50 registrants get a free copy of Ian Fletcher's new book: Free Trade Doesn't Work. This is a highly acclaimed book about trade policy and the needed changes therein. Agenda: March 2, 2010: 2p to 6p - Group meeting for training, talking points and team assignments March 3-4, 2010: Hill visits Place: Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I ("Eye") Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Call 202.488.7500 for hotel room reservations and ask for the CPA room block. You should book for the evenings of March 2 and March 3. CPA has negotiated discounted rates for a limited number of rooms at $129 per night plus tax.
If you have questions about the events, please call Sara Haimowitz, Development Coordinator, at 413-203-1410.
January 27, 2010
Theory teaches that, in a free currency market, exchange rates will rise enough to reduce and eventually reverse the build-up of excessive official exchange reserves. In the case of China since 2005, nothing could be farther from the truth. From already high levels five or six years ago, China’s reserves have risen relentlessly to a record $2.4 trillion dollars. The attached graph and tables provide the startling statistics both for the People’s Republic of China and the combined Chinese total including Hong Kong and Macau.
