Trade liberalization challenges post-CAFTA
Order Code RS22339
November 30, 2005
CRS Report for Congress
Trade Liberalization Challenges Post-CAFTA
Raymond J. Ahearn
Specialist in International Trade and Finance
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
Since taking office in January 2001, President Bush has supported trade
liberalization through negotiations on multiple fronts: globally, regionally, and
bilaterally. During this period, Congress has approved five free trade agreements (FTAs)
that the Bush Administration has negotiated and signed. The FTAs are designed to
promote broad economic and political objectives, both domestic and foreign. However,
the debate in Congress over the last FTA approved - the Central American Free Trade
Agreement (CAFTA) - was contentious, sparking concerns about how Congress might
consider future trade liberalizing agreements. This report analyses some of the
challenges that became apparent in the aftermath of a divisive trade debate and how they
could affect consideration of future trade agreements. This report will not be updated.
