Supporters of free trade must also address objections to trade by starting a dialogue with their opponents. Building trust is critical to fostering a bipartisan consensus on trade. Many companies failed to participate in recent debates. Such firms could use their existing communications with employees, shareholders, suppliers, and customers to build support for trade. Emphasize all the benefits of open trade.
Trade policy requires political leadership.
Neither the White House nor leaders in Congress have done enough to build public support for trade. A concerted effort from corporate and political groups to unite and encourage the natural pro-trade constituencies can still create a sympathetic majority. The benefits of trade and the costs of isolation are far too high to let the opponents of trade determine policy.