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.

John Breedlove

Roseburg, OR

John worked at Roseburg Forest Products for 31 years before it closed in competition with imports.

"I graduated in June 2006 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in business marketing and a Certificate of Proficiency in retailing. After I graduated I had more difficulty than expected finding long-term employment.

"I have not been able to locate a permanent long-term job here in this area. I am 58 years old, and part of my problem might be my age...

"['Free trade'] makes it harder for American workers to compete with workers from other parts of the world who are paid much lower wages."