It expands markets, boosts national economies, and creates jobs. Today, with the continued growth of developed economies as well as the evolution and expansion of the economies of developing nations, imports and exports of goods and services are essential for global commerce. Steel and steel products are crucial parts of that commerce.
Trade agreements established today help determine our nation's global economic role for tomorrow.
International trade and commerce are critical to the growth and future of all American businesses, large and small. All 50 American states benefit from exports. Leading exports include industrial machinery, computers, transportation equipment, electric and electronic equipment, chemicals, and instruments. Bethlehem Steel Corp. exported about 5 percent of its total shipments in 1995. Our customers in the automotive, machinery, construction, and equipment industries use our steel in this country to manufacture their products, some of which they export.