'It’s time to talk about trade' says Susan Danger, CEO

It’s what the transatlantic economy is built on, and it’s what has brought unparalleled prosperity to people around the world over the past century. Trade is in our DNA. However, trade is also in the public eye more than ever before.

In the past, we may not have talked enough about trade because we believed that its effects – economic prosperity, innovation and of course job creation – spoke for themselves. Indeed, the rise of anti-trade and anti-globalisation sentiment took many of us by surprise. Inflammatory rhetoric about trade has given rise to populism and protectionism at home and abroad. Trade has become a “zero-sum” game, black and white, winners and losers.

In recent years we have seen a huge change in our societies and our economies – a great deal of it for good. The wave of new gadgets, medical innovations and culinary options now available to us can all be explained in part by the opportunities in the global economy. Billions have been lifted out of poverty, not least because of the EU – which is today the top trading partner for more than 80 countries around the world. But the new economy has also impacted our society in other ways – automation, the decline of some manufacturing jobs and shifting consumer needs have in some cases led to job losses and short-term economic upheaval.

That is why our companies are always seeking ways to work with policymakers and stakeholders to improve how trade is conducted for the benefit of all.

At AmCham EU, we are taking a series of steps to this end:

• We are launching a visual series on the role of trade in society;
• Our Trade & External Affairs Committee has put together a thoughtful reflection piece on the path towards a consensus-driven EU trade policy; and
• We are reaching out to stakeholders across the spectrum to find constructive solutions to the challenges posed by our changing global economy.

In the coming months, we will be going in-depth to explain the benefits of trade. We are also open to a constructive conversation that leads to better policy and better lives.

Join us in this discussion and let’s talk about trade – we are looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Contact Susan Danger, CEO, or Tim Adamson, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU and let's talk about trade.