Importance of US Economy

The Department of Commerce, exporters, state and local governments, partner organizations, and the public will come together for World Trade Week 2009 on May 17–23 to recognize the importance of international trade to the U.S. economy.

President Barack Obama and President Lula da Silva of Brazil in Washington, D.C., on March 14, 2009. The president took the occasion to note how trade “is an important engine for economic growth.” (White House photo by Pete Souza)

“World Trade Week is an opportunity to reaffirm the benefits of trade and to emphasize America's commitment to a global marketplace that creates good jobs and lifts up American families,” said President Barack Obama in a proclamation issued to mark the 76th World Trade Week. “The United States and our trading partners stand to gain when trade is open, transparent, rules-based, and fair, showing respect for labor and environmental standards.”