"[T]he facts in this case are pretty straightforward: In markets opened up by previous free trade agreements, the overwhelming majority of states have seen exports grow—in some cases exponentially," writes AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini in The Houston Chronicle.

In the 2011 State of the Union, President Barack Obama signaled his support for pending trade deals with Colombia and Panama. But it remains to be seen how hard he will push for their passage. Will the two Latin American countries look elsewhere for trade partners?

In a statement submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee, Council of the Americas urged ratification of pending free-trade pacts with Colombia and Panama to achieve the administration's goal of doubling U.S. exports while prioritizing hemispheric relations.

The U.S. Secretary of State reiterated Washington’s support for Mexico’s fight against organized crime after leaked cables indicated doubts. Meanwhile, Mexico’s troubled border region shows positive economic signs as manufacturing jobs sprout.

In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, AS/COA Board Member Thomas McLarty III says a strongly concerted effort to ratify pending trade agreements will remind voters that President Obama "sees America as confident and innovative enough to remain the global economy's True North."

When Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva left office, a deal to purchase 36 Rafale jet fighters was near completion. Three weeks into her presidency, Dilma Rousseff has reopened debate over who will receive the lucrative defense contract.

The Obama administration made some changes to Cuba travel and remittance policy. But further easing of Cuba policy will face resistance from the new U.S. Congress.