Trade

The transcontinental railroad made Ogden, Utah, the crossroads of the West. Today, Utah’s $18 billion in exports represents a growth of over 40% since 2008. To prepare for future needs, Utah’s innovative Inland Port Authority is positioning mountain states as a hub for commerce to reduce strain on coastal ports and fix supply chain issues for the central U.S. Our ability to export the vital products, services, and goods we create in Utah is critical for our state’s strong economy. In 2018 alone, Utah exported nearly $14.5 billion of goods around the world, according to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Utah also boasts one of the highest percentages of residents who speak a second language and have spent time overseas. Our unique international engagement allows our region to be outspoken communicators on the benefits of free trade.

I am committed to ensuring that Utah businesses can grow their market access to countries around the world. I believe Congress should continue looking for ways to strengthen the successful United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement, which has helped Utahns working in agriculture, technology, and other fields thrive as barriers to trade are brought down and market access is expanded. Further attention should also be paid to prevent market manipulation by bad foreign actors who are interested in disrupting American industries.