Trade Issues Have Divided Democrats, So Where Do The 2020 Candidates Stand?

Enlarge this image Photo illustration: Getty Images and Renee Klahr/NPR Photo illustration: Getty Images and Renee Klahr/NPR

Editor's Note on April 8, 2020: With the Democratic primary now down to one candidate, we're no longer updating the below graphic. But you can still see the stances of all candidates — past and present — below.

Trade is a signature policy area for President Trump, and one where he has been able to take dramatic action. Trump's protectionist policies appealed to voters in the industrial Midwest, the region that was critical to his 2016 victory. Now, Democratic presidential candidates are campaigning in the shadow of Trump's tariffs, subsequent trade wars and pursuit of a replacement for NAFTA.

Trade has sharply divided Democrats in recent years, as they have weighed the benefits of trade, like greater access to foreign markets, against fears of job losses and the power of multinational corporations.

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Graphics designed and produced by NPR's Alyson Hurt and Thomas Wilburn. Elena Burnett is an intern on the Washington Desk.