According to a 1996 survey of 150 of the largest manufacturing and distribution firms in and around the Mahoning Valley, international commerce plays a considerable role in the region’s economy. Specifically:

• 66 percent of the firms export goods to other countries, while
• 49 percent of the firms import goods from other countries.

Given our strong presence in the global market, it is important for the Mahoning Valley’s long term economic health that the federal government continues to support policies and programs that encourage fair and reciprocal foreign trade. The YWRC supports efforts:

• To protect US manufacturers by enforcing existing agreements with foreign nations in regard to “fair” trade.



• To maintain the International Monetary Fund in order to assist with the short-term economic problems of the United States’ trading partners.