Public Opinion of International Trade

What do Americans think about international trade and U.S. innovation?

A record number of Americans believe international trade is good for the U.S. economy:

• 74% of Americans believe trade provides “an opportunity for economic growth through increased U.S. exports.”¹

• 65% of Americans think free trade is good for the United States² and nearly nine in 10 believe international trade is good for the economy.³
• 63% of Americans believe international trade deals are mutually beneficial for the United States and other countries.⁴
• Support for international trade transcends party lines: 82% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans view international trade as an opportunity for growth.⁵

Americans also care a great deal about U.S. innovative industries:

• 86% of Americans say continued innovation is important for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global economy.⁶
• 87% of Americans say U.S. innovation allows companies to invest more in their local communities.⁷
• 72% of Americans say U.S. innovation allows companies to hire more U.S. workers.⁸

But voters are concerned our global trading partners aren’t acting fairly:

• Nearly two in three voters say U.S. trading partners currently undervalue American innovation.⁹
• More than four in five voters say the U.S. should enforce and strengthen existing trade agreements to ensure U.S. trading partners appropriately value American inventors and their innovations.¹⁰
• Seven in 10 voters think “promoting favorable trade policies for the U.S. in foreign markets” is a “very important” foreign policy goal.¹¹