Few of us think very much about foreign trade. But opening foreign markets to U.S. goods is nevertheless important to job creation and economic growth in our country.
That's why Tennessee Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander were among those who voted this week for free trade agreements between the United States and South Korea, Colombia and Panama.
Corker said: "I'm particularly excited about what passage of these trade agreements means for Tennessee. Our exports to these countries have increased substantially, reaching almost $900 million last year, and these agreements will create a tremendous opportunity for further export and job growth in our state."
Alexander said the trade deals "will bring millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to Tennessee," as "Tennesseans can sell more of our auto parts to South Korea, more of our electronics to Panama and more of our soybeans to Colombia."
This is good economic news for all involved.