Graves: More needs to be done to boost small business exports

Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) said more steps are needed to promote trade after President Obama issued an executive order on Thursday to expedite completion of the International Trade Data System by December 2016.

Graves, the chairman of the House Small Business Committee, said one percent of small businesses participate in international trade even though 95 percent of the world’s market exists outside the United States.

“The president’s executive order aims to expedite the completion of the International Trade Data System, however, more needs to be done to simplify the export process, so we can improve operational efficiency for those who already export and attract more small businesses that aren’t exporting,” Graves said. “I hope the next step we take is to enact export coordination legislation….”

Graves cosponsored bills last year that would reduce trade barriers and obstacles faced by small business owners.

The Export Coordination Act would establish stronger congressional oversight and coordination of export promotional agencies. The TRADE for Small Businesses and Jobs Act would provide up-to-date information on changes to tariff and non-tariff laws, regulations and practices in an easy-to-read format.

The federal government needs to improve its managerial, collaborative and promotional trade programs so that export resources can be administered more effectively and spur more small business exports, according to a Government Accountability Office report.