With the World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Seattle from November 30 to December 3, it once again is worth noting the important role that international trade plays for small businesses and vice versa. The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Commerce Department just released a new report highlighting the enormous role small businesses play in terms of U.S. exports. Key findings included:

-97 percent of U.S. exporters are small businesses (less than 500 employees);
-31 percent of total U.S. export sales in 1997 were accounted for by small businesses--up from 26% in 1987;
-the number of small businesses that export grew from 69,354 in 1987 to 209,455 in 1997--a jump of more than 200%;
-the value of small business exports increased by 300% over the past five years;
-and firms with fewer than 20 employees made up 65% of all U.S. exporters in 1997--up from 59% in 1992.
-In summary, knocking down barriers to trade means increased opportunity for U.S. entrepreneurs and small businesses.