Positions and Views of Mark Dayton
on Trade
| Currently Elected Governor & Lt Governor, Minnesota |
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Mark Dayton's positions and views on the issues:
Links are only provided where we have information. The first link is a
report of all issues and questions made available to the candidates.
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List of Issues | Biographical | Reasons & Objectives
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| Trade |
Positions and Views |
| Trade, a General Statement |
Mark shares the concerns of many Minnesota farmers that U.S. trade policies do not always work to the benefit of America's farmers, workers, and consumers but, rather, lead to diminishing export opportunities for U.S. agricultural goods. Despite the promise that NAFTA and other free trade agreements, or FTAs, would yield a bonanza of open markets for American farmers, our farmers are confronted with a disturbing trend of fewer U.S. agricultural exports. In 1980, U.S. agricultural exports exceeded U.S. agricultural imports by $23 billion. In 2002, the U.S. agriculture trade surplus was $11 billion, or less than half of the 1980 surplus. At the same time, U.S. agricultural imports more than doubled, from $17 billion in 1980 to $42 billion in 2002.
When it comes to trade agreements, Mark believes each trade agreement must be considered individually on its merits. The ultimate measure of whether a trade agreement is good or bad for Minnesota and America is if its benefits to domestic producers outweigh the costs--in other words, whether more Minnesota farmers, workers, and consumers are helped rather than hurt by an agreement.
Australia
Mark recently voted against the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which could harm Minnesota's farmers, dairy producers, and cattlemen, as it provided greater access to agricultural goods without providing corresponding benefits to Minnesota producers. In the last ten years, Australian agricultural exports into the United States have more than doubled. More than 98 percent of these commodities directly compete with U.S. production. On the other hand, U.S. agricultural exports to Australia have risen by only 50 percent. The U.S. agricultural trade deficit with Australia has grown from $577 million in 1994 to more than $1.5 billion for calendar year 2003.
Morocco
After considering the potential benefits and costs, Mark voted in favor of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. The agreement creates duty-free treatment for U.S [Response was truncated to maximum response length of 2000 characters.]
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) |
Mark remains opposed to the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement, or "CAFTA." CAFTA would lower or eliminate the nation's long-standing import tariffs on cheap foreign sugar. The tariffs have been the primary program to protect American producers from massive sugar-dumping by Central American nations. Elimination of the tariffs would open the floodgate to cheap foreign sugar and destroy the no-cost sugar program passed by Congress in the 2002 Farm Bill. Minnesota is the nation's top sugar beet producer. The agreement was signed in May, 2004, but is not expected to go to Congress for a vote this year. Mark will not vote for CAFTA when it comes before the Senate for a vote.
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| These are available issue topics for which there were no responses. |
| North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) |
| Trade Policy Priorities |
| Globalization |
| Free Market Vision |
| Trade with China |
| Free Trade Agreements (FTA) |
| Global Workers' Rights |
| Global Environmental Standards |
| China Currency Manipulation |
| Barriers to American Goods in Other Countries |
| Incentives to Move Offshore |
| Protective Tariffs |
| Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) |
| Unfair Trade Practices |
| Trade Deficit |
| Fast Track Authority |
| World Trade Organization / General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (WTO/GATT) |
| North American Union |
| Other Trade Agreements |