Knowledge Bank

The economic downturn of 2008-2009 has led to the current trade situation known as the "Great Trade Collapse", an extensive downfall in world trade. At a world trade reduction of over 12 percent, the Great Trade Collapse is the highest rate of trade contraction since 1945(Escaith et al., 2010; Baldwin, 2009; International Economy, 2010). The large-scale nature of the economic downturn has been examined by various economists, many of whom cite the role of global supply chains in facilitating the rapid spread of the global recession (Escaith et al., 2010; Baldwin, 2009). While the particular causes of the recession vary, many economists suggest that the epicenter of the global recession is the United States. The fall of Lehman Brothers that occurred as part of the sub-prime mortgage crisis subsequently triggered a worldwide response.

  In his speech before World Trade Organization (WTO) members in February 2010, WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy expressed the need for continuing trade negotiations under the long-lasting Doha Round and for recognizing the importance of trade as a buffer against the global recession, both in the short-term and long-term. He emphasized that many of the 200 million jobs lost worldwide can be recovered if WTO members maintain their commitment to trade and avoid protectionist and retaliatory measures (Council on Foreign Relations).

  Trade protectionism during a recession is not an uncommon phenomenon, and many governments facing political pressure to “save” domestic jobs often practice it. Trade theory unambiguously shows, however, that trade provides a net benefit to the domestic economy and helps the consumer. Still, the rent-seeking efforts of industries facing foreign competition often, at the expense of the American consumer, concentrate these benefits on a small percentage of industries by hindering trade with foreign competition. While political leaders may understand that protectionism is not beneficial for the country as a whole, there have been several political initiatives and public efforts that are indeed protectionist, such as the bills introduced in Congress aimed at overhauling the establishment of trade negotiations. Many members of Congress are demanding stricter labor and environmental regulations as well as limiting the role of the WTO when proceeding with future trade negotiations. For example, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in the Senate and Representative Mike Michaud (D-ME) in the House, have introduced the 2010 version of the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act.1 The TRADE Act demands revisions of the pending trade agreements with Panama, Korea and Colombia, as well as with other established trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and future trade agreements.

  The Obama Administration has made some effort to encourage trade negotiations and trade expansion despite the current political climate. These measures include establishing the Export Initiative and supporting the ratification of the pending trade agreements. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk have concurred that the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama could be ratified by the end of 2010. Nevertheless, with the political pressure from Congress, any and all trade negotiations may be delayed for quite some time, including agreements formed under the Doha Round.

  The apparent misalignment in United States trade policy during a recession is a representation of the polarized actions between Congress, the Presidential Administration, and the American public in resolving the issues of an economy facing falling output and rising unemployment. With the Great Trade Collapse as a result of one the largest recessions since the 1970s and the WTO in danger of losing some clout with the languishing Doha Round, the next steps taken by Congress and President Obama have the potential of significantly changing trade policy, for the better or worse.

  In this paper, divided into three segments, I will explore the underlying political issues occurring during a recession to define the impact a recession has on US trade policy. By first examining previous trends in US trade policy during a recession, such as the infamous Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act, I will provide key insight into factors that will be at play during the current recession. Then I will assess current trade policy pursued by Congress and by the Administration to determine whether the US has succumbed to protectionism, despite the strides towards freer trade. Using the historical progression of trade policy, one can more accurately characterize the recent efforts by politicians to develop an advantageous trade strategy while considering the US’s role in a multilateral trading system. Lastly, I will examine the relationship between US trade policy and the Doha Round, which will serve as an illustration of the US commitment to free trade while facing an agenda of reviving the US economy.