Global trade accounts for 25% of U.S. GDP and helps businesses expand into competitive marketplaces while building employment. NAFTA is the world's largest free trade area connecting 450 million people and $20.8 trillion in member GDP. NAFTA quadrupled trade but also led to job losses and suppressed wages while benefiting other economic indicators. Companies must choose between exporting, licensing, joint ventures, or direct investment when entering new markets, with exporting being lowest risk but also lowest profit potential and direct investment being highest risk but also highest profit potential.