Every economic barometer indicates that the U.S. economy is doing well.
The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since November 1973, the labor force participation rate is at an historic high, and productivity gains derived from widespread adoption of new organizational structures, such as employee involvement, and new technologies help to keep inflation at bay. More than six years into economic recovery, employment growth has shown no sign of slowing down either. The U. S. ranked first in overall world competitiveness this year, according to a study conducted by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland. Opponents of trade emphasize the potential job loss due to trade without crediting the role of exports in promoting income as well as employment growth. In fact, exports are now one of the main engines of economic growth for the U.S. economy.