WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND ON Trade

Background: A sizable trade deficit with Japan has led to calls for protectionist legislation to stem job losses and pressure Japan into fairer trading practices. A proposed free trade zone that would eliminate tariffs with Mexico has also proven controversial.

President Bush supports “fair” trade rules but is opposed to legislation that would require Japan to limit its trade surplus with the United States by 20% for the next five years. He won approval from Congress to conduct “fast track” negotiations to establish a North American Free Trade Area that would include Canada and Mexico.

Patrick J. Buchanan has campaigned on an “America first” theme, and said he believes in free trade with nations that have “free trade practices.” He accuses Japan of unfairly dumping products in the United States. He supports the negotiations for a trade treaty with Mexico.

Bill Clinton supports the free trade negotiations with Mexico but doubts that the Administration will come up with a treaty that will contain acceptable labor and environmental standards. He advocates seeking ways to promote growth among U.S. trading partners, especially in Latin America, so they will buy U.S. exports.

Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr. generally supports the principle of free trade but has opposed the fast track trade agreement, citing concern over loss of jobs to Mexico and other low-cost labor countries.