Pro-Trade Views on the Rise; Partisan Divisions on NAFTA Widen

On August 16, talks to renegotiate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will commence in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump has portrayed this effort as an opportunity to rebalance more towards the United States’ favor what he has called “the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere.” At the same time, the 2017 Chicago Council Survey reveals that US opinion on the benefits of international trade is now more favorable than ever, despite growing partisan divisions over NAFTA. Record majorities of Americans now say that international trade is good for the US economy, US consumers, and creating jobs. CONT.

Dina Smeltz & Karen Whisler, Chicago Council on Global Affairs