NEW POLL: D.C. Policy Influencers, Small Business Owners and American Voters Demand U.S. Companies Receive Fair Treatment by Foreign Governments

Bipartisan majorities warn that U.S. lawmakers cannot tolerate discriminatory regulations by foreign countries that put American jobs, exports, and small businesses at risk.

• 78% of the American public say they would be more likely to support policymakers who defend American businesses overseas, including 72% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans.
• More than 90% of small business owners believe the success of American companies in international markets increases U.S. exports and advances American technology.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. government should ensure that American companies are treated fairly by foreign governments while doing business abroad — an issue that bipartisan majorities believe is critical to America's future economic competitiveness, a comprehensive new poll finds.

The survey of Washington, D.C. policy influencers, small business owners and voters was conducted by the non-partisan research firm Penta Group and commissioned by the US-Asia Fair Market Alliance (US-Asia FMA).

The findings reveal that both Democrats and Republicans broadly believe U.S. lawmakers should make fair market access a priority, and that the U.S. government should respond swiftly to defend businesses against unfair discrimination. The poll also indicates that fair treatment of U.S. firms abroad is no longer seen as just a corporate concern, but as a vital pillar of U.S. economic competitiveness.

"This data sends an unmistakable message to both Washington and our trading partners in Asia: Americans expect a level playing field, and they expect our government to defend it. When foreign regulators selectively target American companies with discriminatory hurdles, they aren't just harming them — they are choking off export channels for American small businesses, threatening domestic jobs, and undermining the very foundation of rules-based trade. We cannot allow our allies to reap the benefits of open access to the U.S. market while shutting the door on American innovation and enterprise."
— Matt Mowers, Executive Director, US-Asia Fair Market Alliance

The poll surveyed more than 300 D.C. policy influencers — including congressional staff, think tank scholars, and foreign policy experts — and a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American voters, including 137 small- and medium-sized business owners.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Broad Demand for Fair Treatment: 86% of D.C. policy influencers and nearly 90 percent (88%) of the American public agree that U.S. companies deserve fair and reciprocal treatment in foreign markets when doing business with global allies. That expectation applies regardless of the company or industry involved.
• Small Business Owners Feel the Financial Impact of Unfair Treatment Abroad: 70% of small- and medium-sized business owners believe unfair treatment of American companies abroad could have a significant impact on their financial well-being.
• Consequences for Trade Alliances: A decisive majority of respondents (76% of voters and 71% of D.C. policy influencers) believe the U.S. should respond equally firmly to unfair market restrictions imposed on U.S. companies, regardless of whether the country involved is a close ally.
• Protecting U.S. Exporters: 67% of voters and 75% of D.C. policy influencers warn that unfair or discriminatory treatment of U.S. companies can cause significant harm to U.S. exports — and over three-in-five D.C. policy influencers believe the issue should be addressed through trade negotiations or formal dispute-settlement.
• Bipartisan Mandate for U.S. Policymakers: 78% of the American public say they would be more likely to support policymakers who stand up against discriminatory barriers to American businesses overseas, including 72% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans. An equal share (78%) say policymakers who support small businesses should prioritize addressing unfair treatment of American companies abroad.

The release of the poll comes amid mounting public scrutiny over regulatory actions in key markets including the European Union, China, India and South Korea, where American companies are facing disproportionate regulatory pressures that do not apply equally to domestic competitors.

Looking to the future

When U.S. companies are treated fairly in overseas markets, bipartisan groups see positive opportunity for U.S. economic growth, including growth opportunities for small business, job creation and increasing international trade.

• More than 90% of D.C. policy influencers and small business owners believe fair international markets increase U.S. exports and advance American technology.
• Across all surveyed groups, over three out of four believe international success of U.S. companies creates more opportunities for U.S. small businesses and creates more American jobs.
• More than half of small- and medium-sized business owners say some share of their sales come from outside the U.S., and 63% have considered expanding into international markets.
• 92% of D.C. policy influencers say options like e-commerce marketplaces are important in helping U.S. businesses reach new international markets, and 88% say fair access could help spur growth for U.S. small businesses.

SOURCE US-Asia Fair Market Alliance