Summary: GAO summarized information on federal government issues relating to international trade and economic policy, including: (1) economic policies in an interdependent world; (2) trade negotiations and agreements; (3) management of export promotion and market development programs; (4) export controls; and (5) foreign direct investment in the United States.
GAO noted that: (1) its trade deficit and status as a debtor nation demonstrate the United States' increased interdependence with other nations' economies; (2) current U.S. trade negotiations are focusing on strengthening and improving multilateral trade agreements, expanding world market access, and extending coverage to services, investment, and intellectual property rights; (3) management problems and resource limitations have significantly limited the effectiveness of export promotion and market development programs; (4) the current export control system for civilian products with military applications is inefficient and ineffective; and (5) the government lacks the data necessary to fully evaluate the impact of foreign direct investment in the United States.
