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International Trade / Global Economy                      See also: China


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Aug. 10-14, 2019. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Which of the following statements comes closer to what you think? I think free trade with foreign countries is good for America because it opens up new markets and we cannot avoid the fact that it is a global economy. I think free trade with foreign countries is bad for America because it has hurt manufacturing and other key industries and there is no proof more trade creates better jobs." Options rotated

.

Good for
America

Bad for
America

Mixed
(vol.)

Neither
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % % %

8/10-14/19

64 27 5 1 3

4/17-20/17

57 37 2 1 3

 

Pew Research Center. July 10-15, 2019. Adults nationwide.

.

"In general, do you think that free trade agreements between the U.S. and other countries have been a good thing or a bad thing for the United States?" Form 1 (N=750; margin of error ± 4.2)

.

Good thing
for the U.S.
Bad thing
for the U.S.
Unsure/
Refused
  % % %
7/10-15/19 65 22 12
4/25 - 5/1/18 56 30 14
4/5-11/17 52 40 8
10/20-25/16 45 43 11
8/9-16/16 50 42 8
3/17-26/16 51 39 10
5/12-18/15 58 33 9

.

"As you may know, the Trump administration has increased tariffs or fees on imported goods from a number of countries. In response, some of these countries have increased tariffs on American goods. Overall, do you think these increased tariffs between the U.S. and its trading partners have been good or bad for the United States?" Form 2 (N=752; margin of error ± 4.2)

.

Good for
the U.S.
Bad for
the U.S.
Unsure/
Refused
  % % %
7/10-15/19 37 56 7

 

CBS News Poll. May 17-20, 2019. N=1,101 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"In the short term, do you think the United States' decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports will make the economy better, make the economy worse, or will it not have much of an effect?"

.

Better

Worse

Not much
of an effect

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

5/17-20/19

24 47 22 7

.

"Some have said the U.S. and China are involved in a trade war -- that is, a dispute over tariffs and trade policy. Who do you think will win a trade war in the long run?"

.

The U.S.

China

Both
countries

Neither
country

Unsure/
No answer

% % % % %

5/17-20/19

27 24 12 33 4

 

Monmouth University Poll. May 16-20, 2019. N=802 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"In general, do you think that free trade agreements with other countries are good or bad for the United States, or are you not sure?"

.

Good

Bad

Depends
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

51 14 6 29

6/12-13/18

52 14 5 30

.

"In general, do you think that imposing tariffs on products imported from other countries is good or bad for the United States, or are you not sure?"

.

Good

Bad

Depends
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

32 37 9 23

6/12-13/18

36 36 6 23

.

"Do you think President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on a range of products imported from our trading partners helps or hurts the U.S. economy, does it have no impact either way, or are you not sure?"

.

Helps

Hurts

No
impact

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

25 47 7 21

.

"Do you think our trading partners' decision to impose their own tariffs on American-made products helps or hurts the U.S. economy, does it have no impact either way, or are you not sure?"

.

Helps

Hurts

No
impact

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

8 50 11 32

.

"Turning specifically to China, if the U.S. gets into a trade war with China, how concerned are you that this would hurt the local economy in your area: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?"

.

Very
concerned

Somewhat
concerned

Not too
concerned

Not at all
concerned

Unsure

% % % % %

5/16-20/19

34 28 19 17 2

.

"Who do you think will bear more of the costs of these tariffs on Chinese goods: the producers in China or American consumers?"

.

Producers
in China

American
consumers

Both
equally (vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

23 62 8 8

.

"As a result of these tariffs, is it very likely, somewhat likely, or not likely that American companies which sell Chinese goods or use Chinese materials in their products will just pass the higher cost on to U.S. consumers?"

.

Very
likely

Somewhat
likely

Not
likely

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

62 24 8 6

.

"As a result of these tariffs, is it very likely, somewhat likely, or not likely that American companies which sell Chinese goods or use Chinese materials in their products will bring back the manufacture of these products to the United States?"

.

Very
likely

Somewhat
likely

Not
likely

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-20/19

24 35 33 9

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. May 16-20, 2019. N=1,078 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

.

"Do you think President Trump's trade policies are good or bad for the U.S. economy?"

.

Good

Bad

Neither
(vol.)

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

5/16-20/19

40 48 2 10

6/27 - 7/1/18

39 50 1 10

.

"Do you think President Trump's trade policies are good or bad for your personal financial situation?"

.

Good

Bad

Neither
(vol.)

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

5/16-20/19

36 44 9 10

6/27 - 7/1/18

35 46 7 11

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 1-10, 2019. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"What do you think foreign trade means for America? Do you see foreign trade more as an opportunity for economic growth through increased U.S. exports or a threat to the economy from foreign imports?"

.

Opportunity
for growth
Threat to
the economy
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

2/1-10/19

74 21 2 - 2

2/1-10/18

70 25 3 - 3

2/1-5/17

72 23 2 - 2

2/3-7/16

58 34 3 1 3

2/8-11/15

58 33 5 1 2

2/6-9/14

54 38 4 - 3

2/7-10/13

57 35 3 1 3

2/2-5/12

46 46 5 - 2

2/2-5/11

45 45 6 1 3

2/9-12/09

44 47 3 1 5
2/11-14/08 41 52 4 - 3
2/6-9/06 43 48 5 1 3

12/9-11/05

45 46 5 1 3
6/24-26/05 44 48 3 1 4
11/03 49 41 4 1 5
2/02 52 39 6 1 2
2/01 51 37 8 1 3
5/00 56 36 4 1 3
1/00 54 35 4 1 6
11/94 53 38 4 1 4
9/92 44 48 2 1 5

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Aug. 18-22, 2018. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.
RV = registered voters. 2016: Conducted for CNBC.

.

"In general, do you think that free trade between the United States and foreign countries has helped the United States, has hurt the United States, or has not made much of a difference either way?"

.

Helped

Hurt

Not much
difference

Unsure

% % % %

8/18-22/18 RV

50 23 20 7

2/18-22/17

43 34 17 6

6/11-13/16 RV

31 39 19 11

3/21-24/16

27 43 23 7

6/15-18/15

29 34 28 9

4/26-30/15

37 31 25 7

11/14-17/14

30 38 23 9

11/11-15/10

23 47 23 7

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). July 15-18, 2018. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

.

"Do you think raising tariffs and barriers to imports from other countries will do more to protect American jobs and help the U.S. economy, raise the costs of consumer goods and hurt the U.S. economy, or will it not have much impact one way or the other on the U.S. economy?"

.

Protect jobs,
help economy

Raise costs,
hurt economy

Not have
much impact

Mixed
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % % %

7/15-18/18

25 49 16 2 8

.

"President Trump recently imposed tariffs which will make some products made in other countries and sold in the U.S. more expensive. In return, some of these countries have imposed their own tariffs on some U.S. products. Do you support Trump's actions and think they will help the average American, or do you oppose Trump's actions and think they will hurt the average American, or do you think Trump's actions on this issue will not have much impact one way or the other?"

.

Support, think
they will help

Oppose, think
they will hurt

Will not have
much impact

Unsure

% % % %

7/15-18/18

26 53 17 4

 

Pew Research Center. July 11-15, 2018. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

.

"As you may know, the Trump administration recently increased tariffs or fees on imported goods from a number of countries. In response, some of these countries, including China and Canada, have increased tariffs on American goods. How much, if anything, have you heard about these tariffs between the U.S. and some of its trading partners: a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

.

A lot

A little

Nothing
at all

Unsure/
Refused

% % % %

7/11-15/18

48 34 17 1

.

"Overall, do you think these increased tariffs between the U.S. and its trading partners will be good or bad for the United States?"

.

Good

Bad

Unsure/
Refused

% % %

7/11-15/18

40 49 11

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. June 27-July 1, 2018. N=1,020 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

.

"Do you think President Trump's trade policies will result in a trade war, or don't you think so?"

.

Will result
in trade war

Don't
think so

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

6/27 - 7/1/18

52 38 11

.

"Do you think that a trade war would be good or bad for the U.S. economy?"

.

Good

Bad

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

6/27 - 7/1/18

17 73 10

 

Suffolk University/USA Today Poll. June 13-18, 2018. N=1,000 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"The Trump Administration has imposed tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum and forced the re-negotiation of NAFTA. Do you think this is the correct approach to U.S. trade relations with Mexico?"

.

Yes

No

Unsure

% % %

6/13-18/18

35 50 16

 

CBS News Poll. June 14-17, 2018. N=1,100 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports?"

.

Approve

Disapprove

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

6/14-17/18

36 48 15

Republicans

71 17 13

Democrats

10 73 17

Independents

36 47 16

.

3/8-11/18

33 50 17

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of Donald Trump trying to impose new tariffs on Canada, in particular?"

.

Approve

Disapprove

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

6/14-17/18

27 62 10

Republicans

58 29 13

Democrats

6 87 7

Independents

26 62 12

.

"Some countries have said that if the U.S. puts tariffs on steel and aluminum, they will put their own new tariffs on U.S. products, an exchange some have labeled a trade war. If there is a trade war between the U.S. and other countries, do you feel the U.S. economy would come out better in the long run, worse in the long run, or would that make no difference in the long run?"

.

Better

Worse

No
difference

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

6/14-17/18

25 51 17 7

Republicans

50 16 27 7

Democrats

6 78 10 5

Independents

24 51 17 7

.

3/8-11/18

22 49 20 9

.

"Do you feel you would be personally affected by a trade war, either through the prices you pay or the business you work for, or would you probably not be affected?" If yes, personally affected: "Would that be for the better or for the worse?"

.

Affected for
 the better

Affected for
 the worse

Not
affected

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

6/14-17/18

10 59 26 5

 

CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. June 14-17, 2018. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

.

"Which of the following do you think is more important: imposing tariffs on imports from foreign countries to protect certain U.S. industries, or maintaining good relations with countries that have been close allies of the U.S. for many years?"

.

Tariffs to
protect U.S.
industries

Good
relations with
close allies

Both
equally (vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

6/14-17/18

25 63 3 9

 

Monmouth University Poll. June 12-13, 2018. N=806 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Do you think President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on a range of products imported from our trading partners will help or hurt the U.S. economy, will it have no impact either way, or are you not sure?"

.

Help

Hurt

No
impact

Unsure

% % % %

6/12-13/18

25 40 7 27

.

"Do you think our trading partners' decision to impose their own tariffs on American-made products will help or hurt the U.S. economy, will it have no impact either way, or are you not sure?"

.

Help

Hurt

No
impact

Unsure

% % % %

6/12-13/18

7 50 17 26

.

"Do you think it is likely or not likely that the U.S. will get into a trade war with our main trading partners?"

.

Likely

Not likely

Unsure

% % %

6/12-13/18

53 37 11

.

"If we do get into a trade war, how concerned are you that this would hurt the local economy in your area: very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?"

.

Very
concerned

Somewhat
concerned

Not too
concerned

Not at all
concerned

Unsure

% % % % %

6/12-13/18

34 30 17 18 1

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. May 31-June 5, 2018. N=1,223 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

.

"Do you support or oppose imposing a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

5/31 - 6/5/18

31 50 19

3/3-5/18

31 50 19

.

"Do you support or oppose raising tariffs on products imported from China?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

5/31 - 6/5/18

52 36 12

4/6-9/18

44 45 11

 

Pew Research Center. April 25-May 1, 2018. N=1,503 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

.

"As you may know, there are proposals to raise tariffs or fees on steel and aluminum that is imported into the United States from other countries. How much, if anything, have you read or heard about these proposals? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

.

A lot A little Nothing
at all
  % % %
4/25 - 5/1/18 29 41 29

.

"Do you think that raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports would be a good thing or a bad thing for the U.S.?"

.

Good thing Bad thing Unsure/
Refused
  % % %
4/25 - 5/1/18 37 45 17

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. April 8-11, 2018. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Trump announced plans to impose taxes known as tariffs on some goods that are made in other countries and imported to the United States. China has responded by announcing planned tariffs on some U.S. goods sold in China. Do you think this situation will be good or bad for jobs in the United States?"

.

Good

Bad

Unsure

% % %

4/8-11/18

36 49 15

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. April 6-9, 2018. N=1,181 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.4.

.

"Do you support or oppose raising tariffs on products imported from China, if it increases the costs of certain products?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

4/6-9/18

44 47 9

.

"Do you support or oppose raising tariffs on products imported from China, if it causes China to raise tariffs on American products?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

4/6-9/18

40 51 9

.

"Do you think a trade war with China would be good or bad for the U.S. economy?"

.

Good

Bad

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

4/6-9/18

22 68 11

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). March 10-14, 2018. N=1,100 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"What do you think foreign trade means for America? Do you see foreign trade more as an opportunity for economic growth through increased U.S. exports, or a threat to the economy from foreign imports?" Options rotated

.

Opportunity
for growth
Threat to
the economy
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

3/10-14/18

66 20 5 2 7

 

Marist Poll. March 5-6, 2018. N=1,050 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.8.

.

"Do you think putting a tariff or tax on imports of steel and aluminum from other countries will help the U.S. economy, hurt it, or have no impact?"

.

Help

Hurt

Have no
impact

Unsure

% % % %

3/5-6/18

27 42 18 13

.

"Do you think a tariff or tax on imports of steel and aluminum from other countries will increase the prices of things you buy, decrease them, or make no difference?"

.

Increase
prices

Decrease
prices

Make no
difference

Unsure

% % % %

3/5-6/18

64 4 24 8

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. March 3-5, 2018. N=1,122 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Would you support or oppose imposing a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports if the tariffs raised the cost of goods that you buy?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

3/3-5/18

29 59 12

.

"Do you think that imposing a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports will be good for American jobs, will be bad for American jobs, or do you think it will have no impact on American jobs either way?"

.

Good

Bad

No impact

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

3/3-5/18

26 36 24 14

.

"As you may know, President Trump has said that a trade war would be good for the United States, and could be easily won. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?"

.

Agree

Disagree

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

3/3-5/18

28 64 9

 

Pew Research Center. Oct. 25-30, 2017. N=1,504 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

.

"As you may know, NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement, is a trade agreement between the U.S. and other countries. All in all, would you say NAFTA is good for the U.S., or bad for the U.S.?"

.

Good for
the U.S.

Bad for
the U.S.

Unsure/
Refused

% % %

10/25-30/17

56 33 12

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). Aug. 5-9, 2017. N=1,200 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.8. RV = registered voters

.

"Do you think the fact that the American economy has become increasingly global is good because it has opened up new markets for American products and resulted in more jobs, or bad because it has subjected American companies and employees to unfair competition and cheap labor?"

.

Good Bad Equally good
& bad (vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  

8/5-9/17

49 40 7 4  

4/23-27/14

43 48 5 4  

3/7-10/08 RV

25 58 12 5  

12/14-17/07

28 58 11 3  

6/97

42 48 7 3  

 

CBS News Poll. Aug. 3-6, 2017. N=1,111 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"Twenty five years ago, the North American Free Trade Agreement, known as NAFTA, eliminated most trade barriers between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. On balance, how would you rate NAFTA? Would you say it has been a success or a failure?"

.

A success

A failure

Both
equally (vol.)

Don't know
enough (vol.)

Unsure/
No answer

% % % % %

8/3-6/17

40 39 2 13 6

 

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. July 8-12, 2017. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Overall, do you think NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, has been good or bad for the U.S. economy?"

.

Good

Bad

Unsure

% % %

7/8-12/17

41 37 22

3/19-22/16

29 44 27

 

CBS News Poll. Dec. 9-13, 2016. N=1,259 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Overall, would you say U.S. trade with other countries creates more jobs for the U.S., loses more jobs for the U.S., or does U.S. trade with other countries have no effect on U.S. jobs?"

.

Creates
more jobs

Loses
more jobs

No effect
on jobs

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

12/9-13/16

29 48 15 7

9/28 - 10/2/16

30 45 14 11

7/8-12/16

22 57 14 7

2/22-24/96

39 40 11 10

.

"In general, do you favor or oppose providing tax breaks to corporations that agree to keep U.S. manufacturing jobs from moving to other countries?"

.

Favor

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

12/9-13/16

69 27 4

 

Quinnipiac University Poll. Nov. 17-20, 2016. N=1,071 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you support or oppose renegotiating major trade deals with other countries, even if it means paying more for the products you buy?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure/
No answer

% % %

11/17-20/16

64 28 8

 

Pew Research Center. Aug. 9-16, 2016. Adults nationwide.

         

"As you may know, the United States has negotiated a free trade agreement with eleven countries in Asia and Latin America called the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. Do you think this trade agreement would be a good thing for our country or a bad thing?" Form 2 (N=1,010)

         
Good thing Bad thing Haven't heard
enough (vol.)
Neither good
nor bad (vol.)
Unsure Refused
  % % % % % %
8/9-16/16 40 35 13 2 8 1
         

"Thinking about the financial situation of you and your family, do you think free trade agreements have definitely helped, probably helped, probably hurt, or definitely hurt the financial situation of you and your family?" Form 1 (N=1,000)

         
Definitely
helped
Probably
helped
Probably
hurt
Definitely
hurt
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % % %
8/9-16/16 6 36 28 14 9 6
3/17-26/16 6 39 26 11 10 8
5/12-18/15 4 38 24 12 11 10

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 8-12, 2016. N=1,600 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Globalization is the increase of trade, communication, travel and other things among countries around the world. In general, has the United States gained more or lost more because of globalization?" Options rotated

.

Gained
more

Lost
more

Both
equal (vol.)

Unsure/
No answer

% % % %

7/8-12/16

36 53 3 8

2/23-27/07

36 51 1 12

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. May 16-19, 2016. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Overall, would you say trade with other countries does more to create U.S. jobs or does more to take away U.S. jobs?" Options rotated

.

More to
create

More to
take away

No effect
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

5/16-19/16

33 53 4 10

 

Bloomberg Politics Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 19-22, 2016. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Turning now to trade, generally speaking, do you think U.S. trade policy should have more restrictions on imported foreign goods to protect American jobs, or have fewer restrictions to enable American consumers to have the most choices and the lowest prices?"

.

More
restrictions

Fewer
restrictions

Unsure

% % %

3/19-22/16

65 22 12

.

"Are you willing to pay a little more for merchandise that is made in the U.S., or do you prefer the lowest possible price?"

.

Willing to
pay more

Prefer
lowest price

Unsure

% % %

3/19-22/16

82 13 5

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. March 17-20, 2016. N=1,252 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Which of the following statements comes closer to your opinion? Trade restrictions are necessary to protect domestic industries. OR, Free trade must be allowed, even if domestic industries are hurt by foreign competition."

.

Restrictions
necessary
Free trade
must be
allowed
Unsure/
No answer
   
% % %    

3/17-20/16

61 29 10    

5/28-31/15

63 30 6    

4/1-5/09

60 28 12    

 

CNBC All-America Economic Survey conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). June 19-22, 2015. N=approx. 400 adults nationwide.

.

"Now I'm going to read you two statements about trade agreements with other countries. Please tell me which one comes closer to your point of view. Trade agreements with other countries have more drawbacks than benefits to the economy, because they mean that workers in the United States are being replaced by workers in other countries. Trade agreements with other countries have more benefits than drawbacks to the economy, because they mean that products can be made and sold at lower costs to consumers and U.S. jobs are being created by American companies that can sell more of their products overseas."

.

More
drawbacks
than benefits

More
benefits than
drawbacks

Unsure

% % %

6/19-22/15

50 42 8

 

Pew Research Center. May 12-18, 2015. N=2,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

         

"As I read some statements about free trade agreements, tell me what your impression is. ...

"Do free trade agreements make the price of products sold in the U.S. higher, lower or not make a difference?"

         
Higher Lower No
difference
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % %
5/12-18/15 30 36 24 1 8
         

"Do free trade agreements make the wages of American workers higher, lower, or not make a difference?"

         
Higher Lower No
difference
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % %
5/12-18/15 11 46 33 1 8
         

"Do free trade agreements create jobs in the U.S., lead to job losses, or not make a difference?"

         
Create jobs Lead to
job losses
No
difference
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % %
5/12-18/15 17 46 28 2 7
         

"Do free trade agreements make the American economy grow, slow the economy down, or not make a difference?"

         
Make it
grow
Slow
it down
No
difference
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % %
5/12-18/15 31 34 25 1 9
         

"Are free trade agreements good for the people of developing countries, bad for the people of developing countries, or don’t they make a difference?"

         
Good Bad No
difference
Depends/
Mixed (vol.)
Unsure/
No answer
  % % % % %
5/12-18/15 57 9 23 2 9

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by Hart Research Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R). April 26-30, 2015. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"As you may know, roughly twenty years ago Congress passed NAFTA, the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. So far, would you say that NAFTA has had more of a positive impact on the nation's economy, more of a negative impact on the nation's economy, or hasn't it had much of an impact?"
2003: "As you may know, about ten years ago Congress passed NAFTA, the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. So far, would you say that NAFTA has had more of a positive impact on the nation's economy, more of a negative impact on the nation’s economy, or hasn’t it had much of an impact?"
1997: "As you may know, about four years ago Congress passed NAFTA, the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. So far, would you say that NAFTA has had more of a positive impact on the nation's economy, more of a negative impact on the nation's economy, or hasn't it had much of an impact?"

.

A positive
impact

A negative
impact

Not much
of an impact

Mixed
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % % %

4/26-30/15

29 26 32 - 13

9/20-22/03

18 35 27 1 19

9/11-15/97

23 29 32 1 15

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 2-5, 2012. N=1,029 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

 

"Which one of the following do you think is the leading economic power in the world today: the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, Japan, India?" Options rotated

 

China

United
States

Japan

European
Union

India

Russia

Other (vol.)/
Unsure

% % % % % % %

2/2-5/12

53 33 7 3 2 - 1

2/2-5/11

52 32 7 3 1 2 3

2/9-12/09

39 37 10 7 1 2 4

2/11-14/08

40 33 13 7 2 2 3

5/18-21/00

10 65 16 4 - 2 3
 

"Looking ahead twenty years, which one of the following countries do you expect to be the world's leading economic power at that time: the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, Japan, India?" Options rotated

 

China

United
States

Japan

India

European
Union

Russia

Other (vol.)/
Unsure

% % % % % % %

2/2-5/12

46 38 5 4 3 1 2

2/2-5/11

47 35 5 4 4 1 4

2/9-12/09

34 45 6 4 7 1 4

2/11-14/08

44 31 10 4 8 1 2

5/18-21/00

15 55 13 1 10 1 5

 

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 13-16, 2011. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

.

"Congress has now passed free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Some people support these trade agreements as a way to help our economy by allowing more U.S. goods to be sold overseas. Others are opposed, saying these trade agreements will cost too many American jobs. Which comes closer to your view? Do you support or oppose these trade agreements?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/13-16/11

38 41 21

.

.

"There is a proposal before Congress to put tariffs on Chinese goods sold in the United States to reduce our trade deficit with China. Some people support these tariffs because they believe China is manipulating the value of its currency to hold down prices of its products and undercut U.S. manufacturers. Others are opposed, saying these tariffs will increase the price American consumers pay for Chinese products and risk a trade war. Which comes closer to your view? Do you support or oppose these proposed tariffs on Chinese goods?"

.

Support

Oppose

Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/13-16/11

44 41 15

.


 

Washington Post Poll. Jan. 13-17, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

.

"Thinking about the growing ties between the economies of the United States and other countries, overall, how much influence do you think the global economy is having on the way things are going in the United States? Would you say it is having a great deal of influence, a fair amount, not too much, or no influence at all?"

.

A great deal

A fair amount

Not too much

None at all

Unsure

% % % % %

1/13-17/11

38 42 11 5 3

.

"Do you think the trend toward a global economy is a good thing or a bad thing for our country?"

.

A good thing

A bad thing

Both (vol.)

Neither (vol.)

Unsure

% % % % %

1/13-17/11

36 42 2 1 18

.

"How would you rate America's ability to compete economically in the world and deal with foreign economic competition: excellent, good, just fair, not so good, or poor?"

.

Excellent

Good

Just fair

Not so good

Poor

% % % % %

1/13-17/11

9 27 35 17 11

.

"Do you feel that being number one in the world economically is an important goal for America, or that being number one is not that important a goal, as long as we're one of several leading economic powers?"

.

Important

Not that
important

Unsure

% % %

1/13-17/11

51 45 4

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 14-16, 2011. N=1,032 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

.

"I'm going to read a list of actions Congress could take this year. Please say whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose Congress doing each of the following this year. How about approve a free-trade agreement with South Korea?"

.

Strongly
favor

Favor

Oppose

Strongly
oppose

Unsure

% % % % %

1/14-16/11

12 41 22 13 12

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Nov. 11-14, 2010. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"What do you think foreign trade means for America? Do you see foreign trade more as an opportunity for economic growth through increased U.S. exports or a threat to the economy from foreign imports?"

.

Opportunity Threat Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

11/11-14/10

41 50 3 3 2

4/3-5/09

56 40 3 1 -

6/26-29/08

41 51 4 2 3

10/12-14/07

46 45 5 2 2

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Sept. 22-26, 2010. N=1,000 adults nationwide.

.

"From what you know, do you think that free trade agreements between the United States and other countries help to create more jobs in the U.S., or do you think they cost the U.S. jobs?" Half sample (Form A)

.

Create more
jobs

Cost jobs

Depends
(vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

9/22-26/10

18 69 2 11

3/96

25 59 4 12

1/96

21 62 3 14

.

"In general, do you think that free trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries have helped the United States, have hurt the United States, or have not made much of a difference either way?" Half sample (Form B)

.

Helped

Hurt

Not much
difference

Unsure

% % % %

9/22-26/10

17 53 20 10

3/2-5/07

28 46 16 10

12/99

39 30 24 7

10/99

35 32 24 9

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 1-5, 2009. N=998 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"On balance, do you think trade with other countries -- both buying and selling products -- is good for the U.S. economy, or is it bad for the U.S. economy, or does it have no effect?"

.

Good Bad No effect Unsure  
% % % %  

4/1-5/09

66 23 4 7  

 

Gallup Poll. Feb. 9-12, 2009. N=1,022 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Which one of the following do you think is the leading economic power in the world today: [see below]?" Options rotated

.

  2/9-12/09 2/11-14/08 5/18-21/00  
  % % %  
China 39 40 10  
The United States 37 33 65  
Japan 10 13 16  
The European Union 7 7 4  
Russia 2 2 2  
India 1 2 -  

Other (vol.)/Unsure

4 3 3  

.

"Looking ahead twenty years, which one of the following countries do you expect to be the world's leading economic power at that time: [see below]?" Options rotated

.

  2/9-12/09 2/11-14/08 5/18-21/00  
  % % %  
The United States 45 31 55  
China 34 44 15  
The European Union 7 8 10  
Japan 6 10 13  
India 4 4 1  
Russia 1 1 1  

Other (vol.)/Unsure

4 2 5  

 

CBS News Poll. July 31-Aug. 5, 2008. N=1,034 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the recent economic expansion in countries like China and India has been generally good for the U.S. economy, or bad for the U.S. economy, or had no effect on the U.S. economy?"

.

Good Bad No Effect Unsure  
% % % %  

7/31 - 8/5/08

14 62 10 14  

 

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. May 1-8, 2008. N=2,208 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Generally speaking, do you believe that free international trade has helped or hurt the economy, or hasn't it made a difference to the economy one way or the other?"

.

Helped Hurt No
Difference
Unsure  
% % % %  

5/1-8/08

26 50 10 14  

11/30 - 12/3/07

27 44 16 13  

 

Pew Research Center/Council on Foreign Relations survey conducted by Abt SRBI. April 23-27, 2008. N=1,502 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

         

"In general, do you think that free trade agreements -- like NAFTA, and the policies of the World Trade Organization -- have been a good thing or a bad thing for the United States?" Upon request, respondents were read full name of NAFTA: "The North American Free Trade Agreement."

         
Good thing Bad thing Unsure
  % % %
4/23-27/08 35 48 17
         

"Thinking about the financial situation of you and your family -- do you think these free trade agreements have definitely helped, probably helped, probably hurt, or definitely hurt the financial situation of you and your family?"

         
Definitely
helped
Probably
helped
Probably
hurt
Definitely
hurt
Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
  % % % % % %
4/23-27/08 3 24 32 16 13 12

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Neil Newhouse (R). March 2-5, 2007. N=1,007 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"Do you believe that the United States is benefiting from the global economy, is being harmed by the global economy, or do you think the global economy has had no impact on the United States one way or the other?"

.

Benefiting

Harmed

No impact

Unsure

% % % %

3/2-5/07

25 48 14 13

.

"I'm going to mention several groups of people. For each one, please tell me whether you believe that group is benefiting from today's global economy or being harmed by today's global economy. If you think that the global economy has had no impact on that group one way or the other, please just say so. . . ."

.

Benefiting

Harmed

No impact

Unsure

% % % %

You personally

   3/2-5/07

27 31 36 6

.

The people in your community

   3/2-5/07

25 40 24 11

.

Your children

   3/2-5/07

21 30 34 15

.

"Currently many people are debating which of two economic approaches makes the most sense for America to pursue. Let me read you each one, and please tell me which comes closer to your point of view.
  
"Viewpoint One: The best way to help Americans here at home is to restrict foreign imports to protect American jobs and products, and to limit the number of legal immigrants who come here to work.
  
"Viewpoint Two: The best way to help Americans here at home is to expand our opportunities in the global marketplace by reducing trade barriers so that U.S. products can compete fairly, and attract and retain immigrants who bring special skills to the U.S."
Half sample (Form B)

.

Restrict

Expand

Depends (vol.)

Unsure

% % % %

3/2-5/07

40 49 8 3

 

Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll. April 8-11, 2006. N=1,357 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"As you may know, Congress and the Bush Administration have been pressuring China to revalue its currency as a way of reducing the U.S. trade deficit. Some argue that this pressure would harm U.S. and China relations. What do you think is more important: forcing China to move to a market-based currency that will help reduce the trade deficit, or allowing China to reform its exchange rate at its own pace in order to maintain good economic relations?"

.

Forcing China
To Reform
Reform at
Own Pace

Unsure

 

% % %

 

4/8-11/06 26 50 24

 

.

"Generally speaking, should foreign countries be allowed to invest in all areas of the U.S. economy, or some areas, or no areas of the U.S. economy?"

.

All Areas Some Areas

No Areas

Unsure

% % % %
4/8-11/06 10 67 16 7

.

"Generally speaking, should Arab countries be allowed to invest in all areas of the U.S. economy, or some areas, or no areas of the U.S. economy?"

.

All Areas Some Areas

No Areas

Unsure

% % % %
4/8-11/06 8 56 31 5

.

"Do you agree or disagree with this statement? 'Restrictions on foreign companies are more important than the job creation that these companies could bring to the United States.'"

.

Agree Disagree

Unsure

 

% % %

 

4/8-11/06 51 31 18

 


 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. April 7-9, 2006. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

 

.

"Do you believe increased trade between the United States and other countries mostly helps or mostly hurts American workers?"

.

Helps Hurts Unsure
% % %
4/7-9/06 30 65 6
11/18-21/99 35 59 6
 

.

"Do you believe increased trade between the United States and other countries mostly helps or mostly hurts American companies?"

.

Helps Hurts Unsure
% % %
4/7-9/06 44 50 6
11/18-21/99 56 39 5

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). July 8-11, 2005. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"In the new global economy, American companies sometimes buy foreign companies, such as Ford buying Volvo, and foreign companies sometimes buy American companies, such as Daimler Benz buying Chrysler. In general do you approve or disapprove of this?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure    
% % %    
7/8-11/05 54 33 13    

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). May 12-16, 2005. N=approx. 500 adults nationwide.

.

"I'm going to mention a few elements of the economy. For each one, please tell me whether you think that the Bush Administration's policies are working well in this area, are not working well in this area, or are not having much impact either way . . . ."

.

Working
well
Not
working well
Not having
much impact
Unsure
% % % %

.

"Expanding trade with other countries"
  34 34 20 12

.

"Keeping white-collar jobs in this country"
  23 48 19 10

.

"Keeping manufacturing jobs in this country"
  10 69 16 5

.

"I'm going to mention several nations around the world. For each one, please tell me whether you think that country or countries are currently a serious economic competitor of the United States, will be a serious economic competitor to the United States in the future, or will never really be a serious economic competitor to the United States . . . ."

.

Currently
serious
competitor
Will be
serious
competitor
Will never
be serious
competitor
Unsure
% % % %

.

Japan 71 19 7 3

.

China 61 30 5 4

.

The European Union 39 35 15 11

.

India 23 37 32 8

.

Mexico 17 27 51 5

.

Russia 12 40 42 6

.

South American and Latin American nations 9 38 44 9

.

African nations 3 20 68 9

 

Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs. May 17-19, 2004. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

.

"When you are deciding on what product to buy, how often do you check the label to see if the item was made in the United States . . . ?"

.

Always Usually Sometimes Seldom Never
% % % % %
5/04 15 20 27 19 19

.

"If you were considering a purchase and you saw one product that was made in the United States and a similar product for a lower price that was made in another country, would you probably buy the higher-priced American product or the lower-priced product made in another country?" Half sample (Form A)

.

American-made Lower-priced Unsure    
% % %    
5/04 54 40 6    

.

"If you were considering a purchase and you saw one product that was made in the United States and a similar product for the same price that was made in another country, would you probably buy the American product or the product made in another country?" Half sample (Form B)

.

American-made Foreign-made Unsure    
% % %    
5/04 93 3 4    

.

"Some economists have said outsourcing will help the U.S. economy in the long run by creating prosperity in other countries and, eventually, a stronger market for U.S. goods. Other economists say outsourcing hurts the economy by sending jobs and salaries overseas, without any real long-term benefit. Do you believe outsourcing helps or hurts the economy?" If both: "Would you say outsourcing does more to help or hurt the economy?"

.

Helps
Economy
Hurts
Economy
No
Effect (vol.)
Unsure  
% % % %  
5/04 17 69 10 4  

.

"Some have said that outsourcing of jobs to workers in other countries is caused by investors and chief executives of companies who want profits and don't care where they come from, while others say that outsourcing of jobs to workers in other countries is sometimes necessary for American companies to compete. Which statement comes closer to your view?"

.

Profits Competition Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %
5/04 64 30 3 1 2

.

"Thinking of the last 12 months, have you, someone in your family or someone else you know personally lost their job because that job was outsourced to another country or not?"

.

Yes No Unsure    
% % %    
5/04 20 79 1    

 

Newsweek Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Feb. 19-20, 2004. N=1,019 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"In general, do you think that free trade agreements like NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) and the WTO (World Trade Organization) have been a good thing or a bad thing for the United States?"

.

Good
Thing
Bad
Thing
Mixed
(vol.)
Don't
Know
 
% % % %  
2/04 28 35 11 26  

.

"A government official recently said that the 'outsourcing' of American service jobs to other countries is not only inevitable but is good for Americans. Do you generally agree or disagree?"

.

Agree Disagree Don't
Know
   
% % %    
2/04 23 68 9    

.

"As I mention some possible reasons for the loss of American jobs to foreign competitors, please tell me if you think each is a major reason, a minor reason, or is NOT a reason for the loss of American jobs. What about [see below]? Is this a major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason for the loss of American jobs to foreign competitors?"

.

Major
Reason
Minor
Reason
Not a
Reason
Don't
Know
 
% % % %  

.

"People in other countries are willing to work for lower pay"

2/04 80 11 5 4  

.

"Investors and CEOs want profits and don’t care where they come from"

2/04 77 13 4 6  

.

"Other countries have lower environmental and worker health standards"

2/04 61 20 11 8  

.

"Consumers in this country want everything at the lowest possible price"

2/04 56 28 11 5  

.

"Weak corporate leadership in this country"

2/04 42 28 20 10  

.

"Labor unions in this country have too much power"
2/04 35 32 27 6  

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. Sept. 19-21, 2003. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Which comes closer to your view about what China represents to the U.S.: a large potential market for U.S. firms, OR, a source of unfair competition for U.S. companies here at home?" Options rotated

.

Large
Potential
Market
Unfair
Competition
Other/Neither/
Both (vol.)
No
Opinion
% % % %
9/03 34 55 6 5

.

"Which comes closer to your view about how Chinese businesses are capturing business in the U.S.: Chinese businesses are offering a better product or a better price than their U.S. competition, OR, Chinese businesses are benefiting from unfair tactics, such as the Chinese government's manipulation of its currency?" Options rotated

.

Better
Product/Price
Unfair Tactics Other/Neither/
Both (vol.)
No
Opinion
% % % %
9/03 32 51 5 12

 

Investor’s Business Daily/Christian Science Monitor poll conducted by TIPP, the polling arm of TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence. May 8-13, 2002. N=906 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.3.

           

.

"Generally speaking, do you think free trade between the U.S. and other countries is good or bad for the U.S. economy, or do you think it makes no difference?"
    %        
  Good 52        
  Bad 25        
  No difference 14        
  Not sure 9        
           

.

"Do you believe that free trade between the U.S and other countries creates more jobs in the U.S, loses more jobs in the U.S, or do you think it makes no difference one way or the other?"
    %      
  Creates more jobs 24      
  Loses more jobs 45      
  Makes no difference 25      
  Not sure 6      
           

.

"Should the president be given or not given special authority to negotiate trade agreements, with a straight Yes or No vote from Congress to approve or disapprove trade agreements in their entirety?"
    %      
  Should be given 42      
  Should not be given 49      
  Not sure 9      
           

.

"In your opinion, which should be the larger goal for U.S. trade policy: restricting foreign imports to the U.S. to protect American jobs, or increasing American exports to other countries to create jobs in the U.S?"
    %      
  Restricting imports 31      
  Increasing exports 61      
  Not sure 8      
           

.

"Generally speaking, do you think U.S. trade policy should have restrictions on imported foreign goods to protect American jobs, or have no restrictions to enable American consumers to have the most choices and the lowest prices?"
    %      
  Restrictions 61      
  No restrictions 30      
  Not sure 9      
           

.

"Would you be willing to pay more for imported goods, such as cars, clothing and home appliances, to protect American jobs, or not?"
    %      
  Willing 55      
  Not willing 39      
  Not sure 6      

 

CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll. July 10-11, 2001. N=998 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.
             
"Would you favor or oppose Congress passing a law that would normalize trade relations between China and the United States and that would allow China to join the World Trade Organization?"
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
  7/01 50 43 7    
  5/00 56 37 7    
  4/00 43 45 12    
  1/00 50 40 10    
  11/99 54 33 13    

 

Gallup Poll. May 5-7, 2000. N=1,031 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Turning to China: How closely have you been following the news about China and the World Trade Organization?"

.

%
Very closely 7
Somewhat closely 22
Not too closely 31
Not at all closely 39
No opinion 1

.

"Would you favor or oppose Congress passing a law that would normalize trade relations between China and the United States and that would allow China to join the World Trade Organization -- or are you unsure?"

.

%
Favor 25
Oppose 19
Unsure 56

.

"Overall, do you think increased trade between the United States and China would mostly help or mostly hurt [see below]?"

.

Help Hurt No
Difference
(vol.)
No
Opinion
% % % %
U.S. workers 28 57 4 11
The U.S. economy 48 37 4 11
Human rights in China 47 26 9 18
The Chinese economy 77 9 2 12

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Robert Teeter (R). April 29-May 1, 2000. N=500 registered voters nationwide.

.

"Now I am going to read you two statements about foreign trade, and I would like you to tell me which statement best reflects your views on the issue. Statement A: Foreign trade has been good for the U.S. economy, because demand for U.S. products abroad has resulted in economic growth and jobs for Americans here at home. Statement B: Foreign trade has been bad for the U.S. economy, because cheap imports from abroad have hurt wages and cost jobs here at home."

.

5/00 12/98 *
% %
Good for U.S. economy 34 32
Bad for U.S. economy 48 58
Some of both (vol.) 12 6
Not sure 6 4

.

"As you may know, the U.S. and China recently signed a trade agreement that would allow China's entry into the World Trade Organization, or W.T.O., the main international trading organization, in exchange for making Chinese markets more open and treating U.S. products the same as those from other countries. Do you think that Congress should or should not approve the trade agreement that would make this possible?"

.

5/00 3/00 1/00 * 12/99 *
% % % %
Should 44 48 51 50
Should not 37 36 35 38
Depends (vol.) 5 4 5 4
Not sure 14 12 9 8

.

"When deciding whether to buy products made in foreign countries, how much consideration do you give to the wages and working conditions of the workers who make these products: a great deal, a fair amount, some, very little, or none at all?"

.

%
A great deal 20
A fair amount 19
Some 23
Very little 22
None at all 14
Not sure 2

.

* Among all adults.

 

ABC News.com Poll. April 19-23, 2000. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

"Do you think the United States should have free trade with China on the same terms the U.S. gives its main trading partners, or not?"

.

ALL Republicans Democrats Independents
% % % %
Should 45 40 50 44
Should not 41 49 36 42
No opinion 14 11 14 14

 

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Feb. 9-14, 2000. N=1,330 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

.

Split sample (Form 1, ± 5):
"In general, do you think that free trade with other countries is good or bad for the United States?"
%
Good 64
Bad 27
Don't know 9

.

Split sample (Form 2, ± 5):
"Do you think U.S. participation in the World Trade Organization is good or bad for the United States?"
%
Good 62
Bad 22
Don't know 16

.

"In deciding U.S. policies about trading with other countries, how much priority should be given to each of the following. [See below.] Do you think this should have top priority, some priority or no priority at all?"
Top
Priority
Some
Priority
No
Priority
% % %
"Protecting the jobs of American workers"
78 19 2

.

.

"Keeping the American economy growing"
74 24 1

.

.

"Improving the global environment"
52 42 4

.

.

"Promoting and defending human rights in other countries"
28 55 15

.

.

"Helping improve the living standards in developing nations"
23 62 13

.

.

"Aiding the interests of U.S. businesses abroad"
19 61 16

.

.

Split sample (Form 1, ± 5):
"As you may know, the United States grants a trade status to most nations it trades with known as normal trade relations. In your opinion, should the U.S. permanently grant this same status to China, or not?"
%
Should 28
Should not 56
Don't know 16

.

Split sample (Form 2, ± 5):
"The U.S. and China reached an agreement that requires China to lower some of its trade barriers in return for membership in the World Trade Organization. Have you heard about this trade agreement, or not?"
%
Yes 37
No 62
Don't know/Refused 1

.

Split sample (Form 2, ± 5):
"What is your impression? Do you think it will be good for the U.S. or bad for the U.S. if China becomes a member of the World Trade Organization and gains permanent normal trade relations status with the U.S., or won't it make much difference?"
%
Good 34
Bad 20
Not much difference 32
Don't know 14

 

Gallup/CNN/USA Today Poll. Nov. 18-21, 1999. N=1,010 adults nationwide.

.

Half sample (N=511, MoE +/- 5):
"Which of the following statements comes closer to your view? The U.S. should increase trade with China now, because doing so will promote more economic, political and religious freedoms in that country. OR, The U.S. should not increase trade with China until the Chinese government gives more economic, political and religious freedom to its citizens."
%
Increase trade now 35
Wait for Chinese reforms 61
No opinion 4

.

Half sample (N=511, MoE +/- 5):
"In your view, would more foreign trade between the United States and China increase or decrease the number of jobs available for American workers in the United States?"
%
Increase jobs in the U.S. 41
Decrease jobs in the U.S. 49
Have no effect (vol.) 3
No opinion 7

 

Program on International Policy Attitudes. Oct. 21-29, 1999. N=1,826 adults nationwide. (Many questions asked of partial samples.)

.

"Thinking about the benefits of international trade, do you think that for the most part, the U.S. benefits more than other countries, that other countries benefit more than the U.S., or that it’s about equal?"
%
U.S. benefits more 21
Other countries benefit more 45
About equal 32
Don’t know 2

.

"I would like to know your impression of how open the U.S. is to imports as compared to how open most other countries are. Is it your impression that the U.S. is more open, less open, or about the same as most other countries? Is that much or somewhat (more/less) open?"
%
Much more open 57
Somewhat more open 24
About the same 11
Somewhat less open 4
Much less open 2
Don’t know 2

.

"Please tell me which of the following two statements comes closer to your point of view. (A) Free trade is a good idea, because it can lead to lower prices and the long term growth of the economy. (B) Free trade is a bad idea, because it can lead to lower wages and people losing their jobs."
%
Good idea 51
Bad idea 44
Don’t know 5

.

"Do you think that importing foreign products means the loss of many jobs in this country, only a few jobs, or no jobs?"
%
Many jobs lost 38
Only a few jobs lost 50
No jobs lost 9
Don’t know 3

.

"Do you think that exporting products to other countries means the creation of many jobs in this country, only a few jobs, or no jobs?"
%
Many jobs created 41
Only a few jobs created 51
No jobs created 6
Don't know 2

.

"As you may know, international trade has increased substantially in recent years. This increase is largely due to the lowering of trade barriers between countries by, for example, lowering import taxes. Lowering trade barriers is a controversial issue. Here are three positions on the issue. Which comes closest to your point of view?

"(A) We should keep up barriers against international trade because importing cheap products from other countries threatens American jobs.

"(B) We should remove trade barriers now because this allows Americans to sell in other countries what they do the best job of producing, and to buy products that other countries do the best job of producing, saving everybody money.

"(C) We should lower trade barriers, but only gradually, so American workers can have time to adjust to the changes that come with international trade."

%
Statement A 31
Statement B 24
Statement C 43
Don't know 2

.

"Presidents since 1974 have had trade negotiating authority known as 'fast track,' which means the trade agreements the president negotiated are considered in Congress within 90 days and put to a simple yes or no vote, without any additions that could upset the agreement. The authority to do this expired in 1994, and President Clinton no longer has such authority. Do you strongly support renewing President Clinton’s fast track trade authority, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose it?"
%
Support strongly 14
Support somewhat 29
Oppose somewhat 24
Oppose strongly 31
Don’t know 2

.

"The World Trade Organization was established to rule on disputes over trade treaties. If another country files a complaint with the World Trade Organization and it rules against the U.S., as a general rule, should the U.S. comply with that decision?"
%
Yes 65
No 24
Depends (vol.) 6
Don't know 6

.

"Do you think the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, has been good or bad for the United States?"
%
Good 44
Bad 30
Neither (vol.) 7
Don’t know 19

.

"Currently, there is some debate over whether the World Trade Organization, or WTO, should consider issues like labor standards and the environment when it makes decisions on trade. Some say the WTO should consider these issues because they are closely related to trade, and good decisions can be made only if all these things are taken into account. Others say the WTO should not consider these issues because its job is to deal only with trade, and trying to bring in these other concerns will interfere with the growth of trade. What about you? Do you think the WTO should or should not consider labor standards and the environment when it makes decisions about trade?"
%
Should consider 78
Should not consider 18
Don’t know 4

 


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