For too long, debates over international trade have been dominated by corporate elites and economic ideologues, rather than rooted in the experiences of ordinary Americans. 

The Trade Stories Project allows people who have been affected by policies and institutions like NAFTA and the WTO to share their views on a matter crucial to the global economy. 

This includes displaced workers, farmers, small business owners and immigrants who have been typically excluded from the trade debate.

Brandon Maupin

Merlin, OR

Brandon worked at Timber Products in Grants Pass, Oregon until his job was cut in 2006 due to increased imports from China.

“Since we're not making anything, and so many people have lost jobs, this is also affecting the rest of the economy in this area. The father of a good friend of mine, he works at an auto dealership. He's worked there for about 25 or 30 years, and this dealership has had to cut back to bare bones since no one is spending any money. He is actually looking at losing his job after working 25, 30 years there. It's kind of affecting all of the economy in this area."