Trade Policy and Global Uncertainties: How to Promote an Open Trade Agenda

EU trade policy initiatives since 1995 offer better products at lower prices with estimated annual savings of up to €60 billion annually, which is especially beneficial for low‐income households who spend a larger share of income on basic commodities. If trade is so beneficial, why is there so much discontent? The paper argues that a convincing communication strategy in support of trade policy is key for trade policy legitimacy and gives the example of the European Commission's #FTAcomes2town platform based on firm‐level data. Politicians can zoom in across all EU members to find examples of small companies in their constituency exporting and creating jobs due to a trade measure .