During these challenging economic times, the United States must have common-sense trade policies that will promote economic growth and more opportunities for all Mainers and Americans, without isolating us from the rest of the world. It is time for Congress to approve President Bush’s request for Trade Promotion Authority to accomplish these goals. Because of our borders with Canada and the sea, no issue could be more critical to Maine’s future economy.

Trade Promotion Authority would give President Bush the authority to conclude trade agreements and submit them to Congress for timely approval without changes that would alter the nature of those trade agreements or delay their implementation. This is a crucial point, since many countries are reluctant to enter into an agreement with the United States, if they cannot be certain that Congress will not introduce amendments or riders that would change the agreement after it has been made.

Just look at the United States’ poor performance in the trade-agreement arena since Congress rejected the renewal of “fast track” in 1994. Today, the United States is part of only 3 of more than 150 existing free-trade agreements. Because of that, our goods must pay high import taxes at foreign borders while goods from other countries cross borders tax-free. By comparison, since 1994, Mexico, our second largest export market, has entered into free trade agreement with more than 28 countries. The European Union has free-trade agreements with over 27 countries and has 15 more agreements on its pending agenda.

As we sit on the sidelines, our exporters face higher tariffs, greater barrier in service industries, administrative delays at the borders and a variety of other disadvantages.

The United States is the single most competitive nation in the world, but we can compete and win only if we are allowed to get back in the game. Currently, exports account for more than one-quarter of our economic growth. More than 13 million U.S. jobs depend on access to foreign markets. Export-dependent jobs typically pay 13 percent to 18 percent more than the average U.S. wage. Just think of the potential if the President is successful at additional free- trade agreements.

Of any sector of the American economy, manufacturing is one of the most affected by international trade. Manufactured products account for 64 percent of U.S. exports and 70 percent of U.S. imports. It should be no surprise that a rules-based international trading system – one that opens markets and protects against unfair trade practices – is more important than ever to American manufacturers.

Agriculture is another segment of our economy that depends heavily on trade. American farmers sell overseas more than one-third of what they produce. As agricultural production continues to increase, producers increasingly rely on the global market to expand sales. A rules-based international trading system is vital to the prosperity of the Maine and American agriculture and food sector. Only through international trade can Maine continue to expand into markets abroad and provide consumers across the globe with a more reliable, diverse, safe and affordable food supply.

Hundreds of thousands of small businesses across America also have a major stake in international trade. Nearly 91 percent of all U.S. importers are small or medium-sized businesses (employing 500 or fewer employees). Small and medium-sized businesses represent 97 percent of all U.S. exporters and account for 30 percent of the total value of U.S. exports. Very small companies – those with less than 20 employees – make up nearly two-thirds of all U.S. exporting firms.

Moreover, small and medium-sized exporters are often “invisible exporters” – suppliers of goods and services to bigger firms that depend on exports for a large share of their business. These companies, which employ more than half of the private work force, have a major stake in further international trade liberalization. Statistics for Maine follow the same pattern.

Maine consumers have a large stake in international trade as well. A trading system based on open markets would provide American families with a broader selection of both domestic and foreign good and services at more affordable prices. It is estimated that each year, the average family of four gains between $1,260 and $2,040 from our existing trade agreements. In contrast, trade restrictions, like tariffs and quotas increase prices, reduce the availability of goods and ultimately hurt consumers – the end-of-the-line victims.

We can have both export-led economic growth and good jobs. Many in congress, including Maine’s two U.S. senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, believe any Trade Promotion Authority legislation must provide Trade Adjustment Assistance to workers adversely affected by trade. This is extremely important in a rural state like Maine. The current Trade Promotion Authority legislation before Congress includes this crucial provision.

U.S. companies will continue to train and invest in American workers. Every year U.S. companies devote approximately $30 billion in formal training, $180 billion in informal training, plus an additional $600 billion in capital investments. With investments like these, American workers can continue to be the best in the world. Now all they need is the opportunity to take the international field.

Cheryl H. Russell is the executive director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson College.