Slow U.S. growth, high unemployment, and a growing trade deficit have exacerbated addressing trade policy. An increasing number of Americans associate their frustrations about the economy with free trade pacts. In particular, there are rising concerns about the balance of trade with China. Some policymakers say trade deals offer unfair advantages to foreign firms and do not protect the U.S. worker but others see free trade and trade promotion as way to spur new economic growth and job creation. This section looks at the challenges and opportunities for U.S. trade policy.

The Renewing America project focuses on six major challenges facing the United States: debt and deficits; infrastructure; education and human capital; corporate regulation and taxation; innovation; and international trade and investment.