The administration is latching onto the Thanksgiving holiday to tout U.S. agriculture exports under President Obama.
{mosads}The president in 2010 called for doubling U.S. exports over five years as a key part of his economic policies. Obama has embraced proposed free trade deals with the European Union and Pacific Rim countries, but like his predecessors, he has struggled to convince Americans — and their congressional representatives — that such deals are good for U.S. workers.
As part of its effort to boost support for free trade, America’s chief trade negotiating agency is highlighting exports of Thanksgiving staples such as turkeys, potatoes, cranberries — and beer.
“President Obama’s ambitious trade agenda has encouraged a dramatic increase in U.S. exports to other countries to stimulate the economy and grow jobs for the middle class,” said the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). “His trade agenda protects and promotes the creation of thousands of jobs within the U.S. every year, and encourages the use of American-grown products around the world.”
According to the USTR, American farmers in 2012 exported:
- $586 million in turkeys (up 12 percent from 2011);
- $21 million worth of cranberries (up 11 percent from 2011);
- $1.1 billion worth of apples (up 14 percent from 2011);
- $448 million worth of beer (up 21 percent from 2011);
- $21.7 million worth of pumpkins;
- $235 million worth of potatoes;
- $42 million worth of beans; and
- $53.3 billion worth of corn products.
“As evidenced by just these few products, trade enables the world to enjoy the bounty of products provided by American farmers and small businesses. It also is a vital way for many farmers, ranchers, and small businesses to support their families and communities,” the USTR said.
“A cornucopia of fresh crops, stable jobs supported by exports, and a strong American middle class are a few of the many reasons USTR is thankful for international trade this Thanksgiving.”