America’s expanding trade with the rest of the world has made life better every day for the large majority of U.S. households. Everybody understands the argument for opening up markets abroad: lower trade barriers in other countries mean more exports and more export-related jobs in the United States. But American households benefit most directly when trade agreements promote more vigorous market competition for the consumer’s dollar here at home. Because of trade liberalization, Americans can more easily afford a wider array of consumer goods, from shoes and clothing to consumer electronics and automobiles.
