The 2016 election revealed a high level of discomfort among many Americans when it comes to elaborate international trade deals negotiated by past and present American presidents. The road ahead for many international agreements is uncertain and the traditional consensus around open global trade has frayed. At the same time, America has a massive trade surplus when it comes to digital trade, leading the world in Internet-based innovation and manufacturing businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) increasingly rely on the Internet and cross-border data flows to access foreign markets. How does America maintain its digital trade strength, in a world where international economic relations are strained and precarious and other countries are increasingly restricting digital trade? Will we see a turn away from free cross-border data flows to more tightly regulated arrangements? What will be the impact on America's greatest export — innovation?
