Skip navigation
HomeHomeIssuesCandidatesPrimary Calendar


Setting the nation's trade agenda has often been a tug of war between Congress and president. The fast-track legislation of recent years has empowered the White House with negotiating the terms of trade agreements, but they still have to pass Congress to become law. For all the critics over China's trade practices and second-guessing over existing trade pacts such as Nafta and Cafta, the US trade sector is booming, thanks partly to the weak US dollar. Trade, however, remains a high profile and emotional issue because it often means keeping jobs at home or saving them altogether.

 

TRADE

 

  • Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

      Says “pro-worker, pro-environment, pro-American trade is our highest priority”; Plans to crack down on disagreeable Chinese trading policies including currency manipulation. Voted against Central America Free Trade Agreement, Cafta, in 2005. Has been critical of Nafta in recent years, but was a supporter of that trade agreement as First Lady when Pres. Clinton signed the bill into law.

  • John McCain (R)

      Says, "every time the United States has become protectionist ... we've paid a very heavy price." Believes the opening new markets is crucial to future economic prosperity, provided it serves the interests of American workers and intellectual property is protected. Supports Cafta and Nafta. Opposes environmental standards in trade agreements.

  • Barack Obama (D)

      Supports fair trade, but says, “Our trade agreements should not just be good for Wall Street, it should also be good for Main Street.” Would amend Nafta to include labor agreements. Voted against Cafta in 2005 because of deficient labor and environmental standards. Wants safety laws enforced on imported China products, such as toys.





ADDITIONAL POLITICAL COVERAGE


HOME  |  NEWS  |  MARKETS  |  EARNINGS  |  INVESTING  |  VIDEO  |  CNBC TV  |  CNBC PLUS  |  CNBC HD+
About CNBC   |   Site Map   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service   |   Advertise   |   Help   |   Feedback   |   Video Reprints
  Data is a real-time snapshot   *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes

Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis