“The health of many sectors of the American economy depends on trade,” Michael L. Ducker, FedEx Freight President and CEO, told the audience of Pennsylvania business leaders and students at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
At the event, entitled “The Great Trade Debate: A Front-Line Perspective,” Ducker dispelled common myths about international trade and emphasized the positive impact expanding trade will have on America’s small- and medium-sized businesses. “Customs and trade rules often make it difficult for SMEs to sell and purchase products from overseas. Trade agreements help streamline regulations and reduce trade barriers for American companies,” he added.
As for the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, he reiterated FedEx strong support of the agreement, saying “TPP addresses issues critical to the modern, digital economy, such as e-commerce and electronic data flows. That will improve customs clearance, making trade simpler, faster and more transparent for all our customers.”
Ducker highlighted a recent FedEx Trade Index survey that found 7 in 10 small business leaders say U.S. trade will improve the U.S. economy overall. “SMEs that export tend to grow even faster and create more jobs than similar businesses that do not trade internationally,” Ducker explained.