The US-Israel Free Trade Area (UIFTA) became law in 1985, but ongoing violations of American intellectual property rights and trade laws are fueling heavy losses of American jobs. As the US economy declines many are trying to separate myths from facts about America’s first bilateral trade agreement:
Myth: The US Israel Free Trade Area (UIFTA) delivers “mutual benefits”.
Fact: Since 1985 US trade with Israel shifted from a surplus to a cumulative $71 billion deficit (adjusted for inflation). The $7.8 billion US deficit with Israel in 2008 equals 126,000 US manufacturing related jobs. UIFTA is the only bilateral pact producing multi-billion dollar losses to the US every year over the last decade.
Myth: UIFTA is supported by US industries and associations.
Fact: During 1984 negotiations seventy-six leading American companies such as Monsanto, Dow Chemical, Sunkist, Hunt-Wesson Foods and organizations such as the AFL-CIO, American Farm Bureau and the US Bromine Alliance testified against the UIFTA. Only seventeen organizations — most with no direct economic stakes — testified in favor. More recently pharmaceutical, agricultural and other industry associations have continued to lobby against unfair Israeli trade practices… More Myths vs FactsBrochure (PDF) HistoryPetition to Suspend