Yesterday, the White House launched an interactive map on their blog that highlighted how trade benefits states and local communities all across the country.

“Export -- a rather formal word for such an important piece of our economic strength, and our daily lives,” wrote the White House. “Think about it: When you're browsing eBay or Etsy, or perusing a small business in your community, you may be shopping with business owners who sell their products to consumers across the globe. Those exports have helped strengthen the economy in every state and for our nation as a whole. In fact, American exports contributed nearly one-third to our economic growth in the recovery. They supported nearly 11.3 million jobs in 2013. And companies that sell their goods and services abroad pay their employees on average up to 18% more than companies that don't.”

The blog went on to explain that policymakers need to modernize our trade policy so more U.S. companies can participate in the global marketplace. “We need to write the rules of new trade deals that will create important new market opportunities for U.S. companies and support good-paying jobs for American workers”, said the White House. “Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live abroad. Failing to seize new opportunities would be devastating not just for our businesses, but for our workers too.”

eBay Inc. agrees that that global trade rules should be modernized to ensure small businesses can participate in technology-enabled global commerce. In fact, over 100 eBay-enabled small businesses recently sent a letter to President Obama commending him for his commitment to pursue an ambitious trade agenda this year and calling for the modernization of the United States’ trade policies.

Learn more about how trade impacts your area on the White House blog, and learn more about eBay Inc.’s position on cross border trade on our Issues page.