Since 1948, World Trade Week has been recognized each year by presidential proclamation. President Biden’s 2024 proclamation radically departs from those issued by his Democratic predecessors.
Excerpts from World Trade Week proclamations from Democratic presidents follow, with links to the full text (emphasis added).
Truman: Whereas the right to trade freely is one of the marks of free people and an expression of their liberty; and Whereas the international exchange of goods and services by the free countries promotes mutual understanding and respect among them, thus strengthening the bonds of common interest which unit them; and Whereas world trade on the part of the free nations helps to raise the standards of living of their people, as well as to strengthen their defense in this time of crisis and to achieve the political stability necessary for international peace: Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 18, 1952, as World Trade Week
Kennedy: Whereas the people of the United States recognize expanding world trade as a vital force in fostering growth and unity among the countries of the free world; and Whereas American business, labor, agriculture, and consumers benefit whenever there is a significant expansion of American exports and imports; and Whereas it is appropriate to set aside a period to give special recognition and emphasis to the significance of international trade and commerce: Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 20, 1962, as World Trade Week
Johnson: Whereas the vigorous growth of our reciprocal trade with nations around the world advances the attainment of a more abundant life for every American; and Whereas the continued expansion of the international exchange of the products of people's labors is mutually profitable to all trading nations and builds greater good will among them; and Whereas more and more American businessmen are engaging in trade with overseas businessmen: Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 16, 1965, as World Trade Week.
Carter: From the days of its founding, the United States has always been a trading nation. Commercial relations with the rest of the world enabled our country to develop, prosper, and grow strong. Today, more than ever, international trade is essential to our national well-being. For the American consumer, expanded trade means broader choices in the marketplace. For American business, it means more opportunities to sell the products of American ingenuity in the world's markets. For the American worker, it means more jobs at home. International trade encourages the exchange of ideas as well as knowledge and experience among nations. It helps make better use of global resources and nurtures trust among the world's nations. The United States is firmly committed to fair and open trade. To that end, we and our trading partners are pledged to eliminate impediments to trade, bring about sound and liberal trade rules, and keep the world's economy moving ahead. Now, Therefore, I, Jimmy Carter, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 21, 1978, as World Trade Week
Clinton: International commerce is vital to domestic economic growth—perhaps more so now than at any other time in recent U.S. history. Our Nation's prosperity depends in large part on our ability to develop and produce high-quality products, identify and open markets, and promote American goods and services across the globe. Trade is also a means of fostering understanding and stability around the world, helping our Nation to build partnerships founded on mutual prosperity. Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May 25, 1996, as World Trade Week.
Obama: When the world's consumers fly in a U.S.-manufactured airplane, eat a steak from America's heartland, watch a Hollywood movie, or visit the Grand Canyon, they are helping to create and maintain good jobs for Americans. World Trade Week is an opportunity to reaffirm the benefits of trade and to emphasize America's commitment to a global marketplace that creates good jobs and lifts up American families. The United States and our trading partners stand to gain when trade is open, transparent, rules-based, and fair, showing respect for labor and environmental standards. I will work to open more markets to U.S. exports, including in such important job growth industries as energy efficiency, clean energy, and health information technology. Imports can also benefit the United States by increasing consumer choice while lowering prices for millions of working families. In addition, imports can support employment for retailers, distributors, the transportation sector, and domestic manufacturers which rely on global supply chains to make products for both the U.S. and international markets. With a transparent, free, and fair framework, we can make trade a powerful contributor to the revival of the U.S. and global economies. Now, Therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 17 through May 23, 2009, as World Trade Week.
Biden: This week, we recommit to ensuring that global trade reflects America’s highest values: fairness, transparency, innovation, dignity, and opportunity for American workers, American businesses, and American families. For decades, our country embraced trickle-down economics which rewarded wealth, not work. Companies took their jobs overseas to get cheaper labor. Factories closed down. Manufacturing slowed. Entire communities became hollowed out as American workers lost their paychecks and sense of pride. I am taking action to protect American workers and businesses from China’s unfair trade practices and ensure they compete on a level playing field, including increasing tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May 25, 2024, as World Trade Week.
Just as Donald Trump broke with decades of Republican precedent to impose protectionist tariffs, Joe Biden has broken with decades of support from Democratic presidents for expanded trade. These Trump/Biden trade policies have cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $1,800 per household on average, an amount that increases every day.