Froman, Pritzker Continue Fight for Trade Agenda, Tout US Export Gains

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker reiterated support for Trade Promotion Authority and the Trans-Pacific Partnership in remarks on April 9, which coincided with the release of a new report on state-by-state trade data. The cabinet officials touted U.S. export gains as critical for U.S. economy growth, according to a USTR statement (here). Texas is the leading U.S. exporting state, with California, Washington state and New York trailing in that order, the report shows (here). The U.S. exported more than $700 billion worth of goods to TPP negotiating partners in 2014, as part of a record-breaking export year for the country, the report says. Some observers expect the Senate Finance Committee to mark up a TPA-led package before the end of April (see 1503310017). That legislation is widely viewed as necessary for TPP implementation.