(Carolina Journal) North Carolina economic development officials continue to tout overseas trade as an avenue to lift the state from its economic doldrums. But some business owners and elected officials believe federal policy has become an impediment to the growth of exports in manufacturing, which had helped modernize the Tar Heel State’s economy.
For starters, a recent Heritage Foundation report criticized North Carolina’s congressional delegation for failing to support free trade agreements that would help companies export their products. And business owners say federal regulations often hinder the ability of small manufacturers who make custom products for export from finding overseas buyers.
Heritage Foundation senior trade policy analyst Bryan Riley noted that on recent free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea, at best the state’s Congressional delegation split its vote, with only two members — Democratic Rep. David Price of the 4th District and Republican Sen. Richard Burr — voting in favor of the Korean trade agreement.
Riley calls North Carolina’s delegation among the most protectionist in the country.
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