On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. the Committee on Small Business conducted a hearing titled U.S. Trade Strategy: What’s Next for Small Business Exporters? The hearing was held in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

The Committee met to receive testimony concerning the trade policy initiatives of the Administration and their effect on small business exporters. Specifically, the Committee heard from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the status of current trade negotiations and the overall strategy to open new markets for United States goods and services. In addition, the Committee received recommendations directly from small businesses on how to increase their exports and create new local jobs.

Opening Statement:

Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)

Witnesses and Testimony:

Panel 1

Ambassador Miriam Sapiro, Deputy United States Trade Representative, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Washington, DC

• Testimony 

Panel 2

Thomas Crafton, President, Thermcraft, Inc., Winston Salem, NC

• Testifying on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers
• Testimony 
• Witness Disclosure

Robert B. Sinner, Partner and President, SB&B Foods, Inc., Casselton, ND

• Testifying on behalf of the American Soybean Association
• Testimony 
• Witness Disclosure

Joshua Meltzer, Ph. D, Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institution, Washington DC

• Testimony 
• Witness Disclosure

Mark Luden, CEO, The Guitammer Company, Westerville, OH

• Testifying on behalf of the Consumer Electronics Association
• Testimony 
• Witness Disclosure

Additional Items:

Official Hearing Notice

Official Witness List

Official Hearing Memo

Hearing Video

Press Release