
President Obama Reaches Out to eBay Sellers to Support Trade Deal
President Obama has been promoting the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) in many different outlets, but on Wednesday he reached out to an unusual group of people to garner support for the deal -- more than 600,000 eBay (EBAY) - Get Report members.
The President wrote an open letter to the eBay Main Street Community, explaining the benefits of the trade agreement and the importance of eBay sellers reaching an international audience of buyers:
It's businesses like yours that helped us sell a record-breaking $2.34 trillion in exports around the world last year, which supported nearly 12 million jobs here at home. However, while many on eBay are selling abroad, fewer than 5 percent of American small businesses are selling their products in foreign markets -- and most who do export only sell to one country.
That's got to change. If America is going to continue to lead, we have to make it easier for entrepreneurs like you to sell what you proudly make here in some of the fastest-growing markets around the world.
President Obama went on to explain how the TPP will facilitate increased international selling for eBay members.
The TPP, which if passed would regulate trade between the U.S. and 11 other countries, has been challenged by many members of Congress, and President Obama is trying to garner as much support as possible for the deal in order to get it passed.
One of the many types of trade the TPP addresses is e-commerce, which will clearly have an impact on eBay sellers. The deal attempts to avoid any online retailers being blocked in foreign countries.
The President signed his letter to eBay members with the following charge: "When you're taking a look at the TPP, I hope you'll take the time to dig into the details and see exactly how much it stands to help you and small business owners like you across the country."








