The White House released a report Friday promoting the economic benefits of trade, as President Obama tries to convince more Democrats to support a free-trade deal with Pacific rim nations.
The report from the White House council of economic advisers said companies that export their goods pay higher wages, translating into about $1,300 per year more in average salaries for their employees.
The report also said U.S. businesses must overcome an average tariff hurdle of 6.8 percent, calling it a barrier to exports.
The president’s economic advisers said another benefit of free-trade agreements is generally higher wages for women, asserting there is a relationship between decreased tariffs and a drop in the gender wage gap.
Mr. Obama met with moderate Democratic lawmakers at the White House Thursday in a personal appeal for support for fast-track trade authority to speed negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive free-trade agreement that would cover 12 countries, including the U.S., Japan and Canada.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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