Expanding trade has brought jobs and business to Texas, but has left the state particularly vulnerable to antitrade actions. Texas would suffer greatly if the U.S. and other countries implement protectionist measures.

Upturns in the Mexican and Canadian economies, coupled with the dollar's declining value, fed strong Texas export growth in the second half of 2009. The state's real exports increased 15.8 percent from the second to fourth quarter, and the United States' NAFTA partners played a key role.