Opinion Polls

Free Trade Lives On: An Opinion Poll on Trade

The WIIT Charitable Trust commissioned a poll on public attitudes toward trade. It shows continued strong support for international trade, even though most admit little understanding of trade issues.

• 70% said their views on trade have not changed since September 11th,
• 79% believe that free trade gives American consumers a larger selection of goods,
• 67% believe free trade makes American manufacturers more competitive, and
• 57% said they support trade agreements, even NAFTA

  However:

• 60% of the public admits they know little about trade issues,
• 64% say trade has no relationship to their work, and
• 81% said they know little or nothing about "trade promotion authority" or "fast track" legislation giving the President authority to conclude trade agreements in spite of intense lobbying by business and the administration

Bringing Trade to Life
(A Demographic and Generational Survey)

A demographic study based on a public opinion poll survey, Bringing Trade to Life: What do Americans Know about their Stake in International Trade, by a WIIT Trust economist, examines how the American public views international trade and globalization.

This unique study examines data across generations and shows that all four generations- from the silent generation born between 1925 and 1945 to Generation X born between 1965 and 1976-were supportive of the benefits of free trade and felt the U.S. should continue to participate in the World Trade Organization and NAFTA . However, a large number of respondents in all generations said imports and exports were unimportant in their daily economic and political lives. As a result, they might be receptive toward learning more about trade and trade policy.