Is It Possible to Oppose Exports?

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Here's the story. Cliffs Natural Resources and Caterpillar are in a battle.

Cliffs is opposed to a proposal for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) to provide $650 million in long-term financing for Australia’s Roy Hill iron ore mine to purchase mining trucks, bulldozers, and shovels made by Caterpillar at its plants in Illinois and Wisconsin. Cliffs says the loan threatens U.S. mining jobs, and it is seeking support for its views in Congress.

The article goes on to say "boosting exports is vital to reigniting U.S. economic growth and job creation."

So, is it possible to oppose exports?  Read the entire article to understand the arguments:

Man Bites Dog:  Exports and Jobs at Stake in Ex-Im Bank Decision

Small Businesses Can Thrive Because of Exports

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Great feature on world trade and small business by John Murphy at Free Enterprise!

In the United States, entrepreneurs and their firms have played a big role in the boom in trade over the past few years. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. SMEs continued to expand their share of U.S. merchandise exports to 33% in 2011 (latest available data), up from 27% in 2002.

In the article, he talks about opening overseas markets, eliminating foreign barriers and how free trade agreements can open doors to international success for small businesses.

Read:  Main barrier to selling internationally?  Lack of information.  Where to start.

Tip:  Be sure to watch the three videos on small business owners talking about how they are thriving because of exports.