Americans of all stripes should be able to unite in support of trade. It’s fundamental to a diverse and healthy economy. Robust U. S. trade…
Americans of all stripes should be able to unite in support of trade. It’s fundamental to a diverse and healthy economy. Robust U. S. trade relationships around the world are also critical to the national economy.
That’s especially true in California. The state leads the country in exports, totaling $171.9 billion in 2017 according to the Chamber of Commerce. That accounts for 11 percent of all U. S. exports last year, generating over 680,000 jobs. Computer and electronics totaling over 25 percent of the state’s exports, second to Texas. The Patent and Trademark Office says approximately one in every five California jobs is in an intellectual-property (IP) intensive industry. While Mexico is still the number one trading partner, combined exports to China and Hong Kong totaled $28.5 billion in 2017 exceeding total exports to Mexico. Much of this is in IP-related products.
When the national conversation turns to trade or IP, especially as related to China, Californians — and all Americans — should pay attention.
Recent national policy has been focused on “fair trade,” a correct and necessary standard to protect U. S. citizens from abuse. But, instead of targeting the worst abusers, such as China, several current trade agreements and relationships were brought under intense scrutiny, stirring the trade pot and alienating several key allies, risking that the country will not receive their help and cooperation in bringing China’s bad acting to an end.
