What International Trade Agreements Have Been Established by the Us Government
International trade is a significant component of the US economy. The United States government has established several trade agreements with other countries to promote free trade and increase economic growth. These agreements aim to reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and create rules for fair competition. In this article, we will discuss some of the prominent international trade agreements established by the US government.
1. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
NAFTA is one of the most significant trade agreements established by the US government. It was signed in 1994 between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The agreement aimed to eliminate tariffs between the three countries, improve market access, and establish rules for fair competition. NAFTA has helped in promoting cross-border trade and investment between the countries. In 2018, the US, Canada, and Mexico reached a new trade agreement called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), replacing NAFTA.
2. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
GATT was established in 1947 and served as the foundation for international trade rules until 1995 when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO). GATT aimed to reduce tariffs and other barriers to international trade and promote economic growth. The United States was one of the founding members of GATT and played a significant role in its development.
3. The World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO was founded in 1995 and replaced GATT as the international organization responsible for regulating international trade. The United States is a member of the WTO and has been a significant player in shaping its rules and regulations. The WTO aims to promote free trade, reduce trade barriers and establish rules for fair competition.
4. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
The TPP was a proposed trade agreement between twelve countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic growth in the region. However, the United States withdrew from the TPP in 2017, and the remaining countries established the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
5. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
CAFTA is a trade agreement between the United States and several Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. The agreement aimed to improve market access, reduce trade barriers, and establish rules for fair competition. CAFTA has helped in promoting trade and investment between the United States and Central American countries.
In conclusion, the US government has established several international trade agreements to promote free trade, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth. NAFTA, GATT, WTO, TPP, and CAFTA are some of the prominent trade agreements established by the US government. These agreements have played a significant role in promoting cross-border trade and investment, improving market access, and establishing rules for fair competition.