Trade accounts for an increasing portion of the U.S. economy, and the Obama administration has embraced a ramped up export strategy. But debate persists over the merits of a vigorous free trade agenda.

President Obama gave these remarks on March 13, 2012 regarding Afghanistan, then discussing U.S. global competitiveness, China, and how to address unfair trade practices.

Drawing on the lessons of the Information Technology Agreement, Matthew Slaughter calls for the elimination of international trade and investment barriers in energy industries.

The The 2012 Trade Policy Agenda and 2011 Annual Report of the President of the United States on
the Trade Agreements Program was released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative in March 2012.

Jagdish Bhagwati offers a primer on the major economic misconceptions that have allowed protectionism to re-emerge in U.S. trade policy.

Edward Alden highlights the skepticism over international trade that confronts advocates for greater American involvement in the global marketplace.

Foreign Policy's Clyde Prestowitz writes that the United States shouldn't pretend China is interested in free trade. China's neo-mercantile policies have precedent in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Germany, and large portions of the rest of the world, he writes--why should China be avoiding the fiscal gray areas that have worked for others?

David Marchick calls for new U.S. government efforts to increase the small share of Chinese direct investment in the United States, including combating perceived prejudices, removing policy impediments, and encouraging U.S. businesses to partner with their Chinese counterparts.

Jagdish Bhagwati criticizes U.S. President Barack Obama for failing to close the Doha Round, decrying outsourcing, and surrending to the "manufactures fetish."

Jagdish Bhagwati recommends developing nations avoid emigration restrictions to stem the outflow of their skilled workers.

The White House released its National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security on January 25, 2012.

Matthew J. Slaughter, CFR's adjunct senior fellow for business and globalization, and William F. Owens, senior fellow at University of Denver's Institute for Public Policy Studies and former governor of Colorado, discuss the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Trade and Investment Policy.

Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Darrell Issa proposed on January 18, 2012, the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) as an alternative for SOPA and PIPA, two Congressional bills related to intellectural property online that opponents said compromised free speech, innovation, access to information online, and the infrastructure of the Internet.

President Obama's plans for a consolidated trade and commerce department underscores his goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014, but some question how creating a larger organization will increase efficiency.

Jagdish Bhagwati argues that while the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is being sold in the United States as evidence of American leadership on trade, the exact opposite is true.

Russia's pending membership in the World Trade Organization could alter its global economic standing and boost trading partners. But experts say Moscow must restructure its economy to benefit from joining the club.

Jagdish Bhagwati and Rajeev Kohli make the case for proposed reforms to India's retail sector that would allow the entry of retail giants like Wal-Mart, Tesco, and Carrefour.

The U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) Action Plan was released in December 2011. The plan pertains to the two countries' bilateral trade and investment relationship.

President Obama and Canadian prime minister Harper gave these remarks in Washington, DC on December 7, 2011.

Every president asserts that the next trade treaty will turn America into an export powerhouse, but that's just not true, claims Michael Lind.