Research Report: Economy and Trade Policy

Most rural Nebraskans are somewhat or very concerned about their household’s cost of living, their household income, and their household’s financial situation. This was particularly true for certain groups, including persons with lower household incomes, younger persons, and persons with construction, installation, or maintenance occupations. When asked about the impacts of international trade, most rural Nebraskans think it is good for Nebraska’s economy. Residents of the Panhandle are the regional group least likely to think trade is good for the state’s economy. Many rural Nebraskans think international trade is good for creating jobs in Nebraska, for their own standard of living, and their job or business. However, many rural Nebraskans think international trade is neutral for these items. Persons with occupations in agriculture are more likely than persons with different occupations to say international trade is good for their job or business. Most rural Nebraskans think protecting American jobs, creating new export opportunities for Nebraska’s agricultural producers and other businesses, and lower prices for consumers are very important considerations in determining trade policy. However, various groups had differing opinions about what should be important in determining trade policy. Persons with construction, installation, or maintenance occupations are more likely than persons with different occupations to say protecting American jobs should be a very important consideration in determining national trade policy. Panhandle residents are more likely than residents of other regions of the state to say lower prices for consumers should be a very important consideration for determining national trade policy. Younger persons are more likely than older persons to say strengthening economic relationships with other countries should be a very important consideration for national trade policy. And, persons aged 50 and older are more likely than younger persons to believe using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge national economic and political priorities should be very important in determining trade policy.