Introduction

Invasive Species Defined

What's Being Done

 National Invasive Species Information Center

Submodule 7: The Price We Pay -- Economic Impacts

Globalization, Trade, and Invasive Species

Globalization and trade are major contributors to the invasive species problem in this country. Increased movement of people, equipment and commodities around the world creates pathways for the introduction of all invasive species. The fact that most invasive species are introduced into this country unintentionally shows the breadth and complexity of adequately monitoring this situation. The shortage of resources for surveillance of imported commodities is only one reason that these species make it into the U.S. We also lack a clear understanding of which pests are the most likely to become a problem and how to adequately monitor for the presence of certain pests.

Most countries have many restrictions and regulations in place detailing how imported and exported products will be monitored. These regulations restrict the movement of known pests. It is estimated that there are thousands of pests (mainly microbes) that have yet to be described and categorized. This leaves the door wide open for the movement of dangerous invasive species as science catches up with commerce.

Up to 30% of farm revenues in the U.S. are the result of export trade with other nations. The safety of these exported products is paramount. If the U.S. does not work to maintain the purity of exported commodities, other countries will be less willing to purchase them. A current invasive species that illustrates this is karnal bunt (Tilletia indica). This fungus infects wheat, rye, durum wheat, and triticale, and, while it does little harm to grain production, several countries have trading restrictions on grain infected with it. If our trading partners were to detect the fungi on our grain, they would not purchase it, significantly reducing international grain sales that are a major income source for many U.S. growers.

While most economists agree that free trade is preferential for supplying people with the least expensive products and allowing countries to specialize in the production of products where they have a competitive advantage, they also see that free trade creates introduction pathways for invasive species. Trade policies and invasive species policies often seem to have opposite goals. It is the role of decision makers to strike a reasonable balance between the two.