Ambivalence on Foreign Trade

Attitudes about foreign trade are tinged with both frustration and fatalism. Poll questions about trade often reveal a split on whether it is good or bad for the U.S. with many saying they don't know and responses varying with question wording - all typical warning signs that attitudes on this issue are unsettled. While there seems to be consensus among most Americans that U.S. trade policy should be crafted to protect American jobs and maintain economic growth, many give the U.S. unsatisfactory grades for keeping jobs here and making pacts that benefit the U.S. In addition, large majorities say it's unrealistic to believe American companies will keep jobs here when labor is cheaper elsewhere. It's also important to note that Americans' priorities for crafting trade policy are somewhat conflicted in and of themselves. For instance, large majorities say both economic growth and American jobs should be a "top priority," but majorities also say they want products at affordable prices. Other poll questions reveal nearly all Americans want international agreements to reflect a concern for the environment and working conditions. At the same time though, half say it's unrealistic to expect American companies to maintain the same standards abroad as they have at home.