Trade Liberalization, Vol. 179

Examining the often-expressed concerns about trade liberalization, the authors assess both the facts and common perceptions underlying the issues. Research shows that some popular concerns about trade are factually based, but others are less well supported or arise from apparent misunderstandings of the way international markets work. This form of presentation both highlights the current divergence of views and demonstrates the extent to which either new research or better public dissemination of existing research might lead toward greater consensus.

The authors examine seven often-expressed concerns about trade liberalization to assess both the facts and common perceptions underlying the issues.

• Trade's effect on manufacturing jobs

• Trade's effect on wage and income inequality

• Trade deficits

• U.S. economic exposure to foreign-market instability

• The threat to sovereignty

• Trade's effect on the environment

• Health and safety

After briefly summarizing the concerns raised in each area, the authors review a large body of recent economic and legal literature. Plain statements by advocates of a particular position on an issue appear alongside discussion of more formal economic or legal analysis of the same issue. This form of presentation both highlights the current divergence of views and demonstrates the extent to which either new research or better public dissemination of existing research might lead toward greater consensus.

Examines seven often-expressed concerns about trade liberalization to assess both the facts and common perceptions underlying the issues.

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Three analysts at the US International Trade Commission contribute to a series produced under the auspices of the Center for Strategic and International Studies argue that though some popular concerns about growing international trade have some factual basis, others are less well supported or arise from apparent misunderstandings of how international markets work. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

ROBERT A. ROGOWSKY is director of operations at the U.S. International Trade Commision (USITC) and adjunct professor of international trade at George Mason University's School of Public Policy.

LINDA A. LINKINS is the assistant to the director of operations at the U.S. International Trade Commission, a position she has held since 1998.

KARL S. TSUJI is an international trade analyst with the U.S. International Trade Commission, where he assesses industry and trade trends for certain long-rolled steel products, various base-metal manufactures, aluminum, and precious metals.