What we know about Cuba’s economy
Despite some reforms, the island country's economy remains dominated by the government and state-owned enterprises.
Despite some reforms, the island country's economy remains dominated by the government and state-owned enterprises.
As Congress considers a major new trade pact with Asia, there is broad public agreement that international free trade agreements are good for the United States. But fewer Americans express positive views of the impact of trade deals on their personal finances.
Though crude oil continues to be the nation's single biggest import, energy exports have risen sharply. Exports of some metals and agricultural products also have grown rapidly.
Overall, recent surveys in both the U.S. and the 28-member EU suggest there is widespread support for a deeper transatlantic trade and investment relationship in most EU countries and among publics representing most of the European population, economy and exports to the U.S.
Trade is shaping up as a major issue on the 2015 legislative agenda, with Congressional leaders and Obama suggesting bilateral cooperation on U.S. trade agendas. Indeed, a Pew Research Center survey suggests such bipartisan efforts also could find public support.
President Obama meets Friday with Republican leaders after their election day victories to talk about cooperation on key issues. We review the public opinion challenges facing both parties in any quest for bipartisanship.
The Japanese (69%) and Americans (68%) are among the least convinced in APEC countries that trade is good for their nation. They are also far less convinced – Americans 20%, Japanese 15% – that international commerce generates jobs.
While 68% of Americans say trade is good for the country, they hold starkly different views than people in other countries around the world when it comes to the supposed benefits of international commerce: job creation and higher wages.
People across the globe are of two minds about globalization: in principle, most believe it’s good for their country; in practice many – especially those in advanced economies – are not so sure it’s good for them personally.
Developing countries provide the strongest support for international trade and foreign investment, while people in many advanced economies are skeptical. Americans are among the least likely to hold a positive view of the impact of trade on jobs and wages.