Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400-600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

The importance of trade continues to be a topic that is debated because the gains are not always quantifiable by those involved. An article by Ed Crooks published on January 6, 2011, "America: Riveting Prospects," discusses why American companies are sometimes opposed to exporting.

Using your search engine type "America: Riveting Prospects" by Ed Crooks, published in the Financial Times on January 6, 2011. You will notice several options under this title, chose the link that is provided by the Financial Times. There is a free version of this article through the search engine. Avoid going directly to the article's Web address because you will be prompted to subscribe to its membership. A subscription payment is not necessary to review this article.

Summarize why the author claims that U.S. companies are still having issues with exporting.

Discuss the five reasons that Crooks outlines in the article and finish your post by offering your opinion of whether The Economist's viewpoint or with The Industrialist's viewpoint is more agreeable.