We must also continue to focus on market access for U.S. goods and services facing barriers to entry in foreign markets. The U.S. must resist protectionist measures in order set the example for other countries. Also, linking labor and environmental standards to trade with other nations will only serve to create a loophole that would allow the erection of new barriers against imports. Therefore, if labor standards are linked to trade, it could prove harmful to U.S. trade with the EU and Canada, two of our largest export markets. There is no need to link environmental standards to trade because each country is allowed to place environmental protections on its citizens so long as it is applied consistently upon both domestic and foreign firms.
Trade is no exception.
Knowing this, we should provide responsible leadership on trade issues. Just as we expect foreign countries to allow U.S. products and services to gain fair access to their markets, foreign countries expect to gain fair market access to the U.S. market. These principles of fairness for both our businesses and foreign businesses, along with continual efforts to expand market access for U.S. goods and services abroad, will help encourage a better worldwide trading system.