Overview: As 2014 came to an end, it was clear that U.S. President Barack Obama's goal of doubling America's exports by 2015 would not be realized. Weak global demand for manufactured goods and a strong U.S. dollar were holding bach exports. Nearly 85 percent of the goods and services produced in the United States are consumed at home. In his 2010 State of the Union address, U.S. President Barack Obama vowed to double U.S. exports by 2015; doing so will require boosting exports 15 percent annually (see Exhibit 81). To this end, President Obama created a National Export Initiative (NEI) and established the President's Export Council. Boeing CEO James McNerney currently heads the Council. As PresidentObama noted, "The more American companies export, the more they produce. And the more they produce, the more people they hireand that means more jobs. According to the SBA, Colombia, South Korea, and Panama account for about $16 billion in annual exports for small businesses. The recent ratification of FTAs with these three countries is expected to give exports a boost. The Obama administration has begun negotiations with 47 countries with the goal of creating a global FTA ir services. 8-7. What is key critical thinking issue raised in this case? 8-8. Why is it the case that many small business owners in the United States traditionally gave little thought to exporting