Washington – September 19, 2026 -- Bipartisan majorities of American voters and Washington policy influencers are demanding that U.S. lawmakers confront foreign governments over discriminatory treatment of American companies, according to a new poll commissioned by the US-Asia Fair Market Alliance (US-Asia FMA) and conducted by Penta Group.
78% of voters say they would back policymakers who defend U.S. businesses overseas
The survey found that 78% of the American public would be more likely to support policymakers who stand up against discriminatory barriers facing U.S. companies abroad, including 72% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans. The poll surveyed more than 300 D.C. policy influencers — congressional staff, think tank scholars and foreign policy experts — alongside a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American voters, including 137 small- and medium-sized business owners.
86% of D.C. insiders and 88% of voters demand reciprocal treatment for U.S. firms
Regardless of company or industry, 86% of policy influencers and 88% of the public agree American companies deserve fair and reciprocal treatment when operating in foreign markets. A decisive majority — 76% of voters and 71% of policy influencers — believe Washington should respond with equal firmness to unfair restrictions even when the offending country is a close ally.
70% of small business owners fear financial fallout from unfair treatment abroad
Among small- and medium-sized business owners, 70% believe unfair treatment of American companies overseas could significantly damage their own financial well-being. More than half report that some share of their sales already come from outside the U.S., and 63% say they have considered expanding into international markets. Separately, 67% of voters and 75% of policy influencers warn that discriminatory treatment can cause significant harm to U.S. exports, with over three-in-five policy influencers favoring trade negotiations or formal dispute-settlement mechanisms to address the issue.
Poll release coincides with regulatory scrutiny in the EU, China, India and South Korea
The findings were published amid mounting concern over regulatory actions in the European Union, China, India and South Korea, where American companies are said to face disproportionate regulatory pressures not applied equally to domestic competitors.
More than 90% link fair market access to U.S. export growth and technology gains
Over 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, more than three-quarters believe international success of U.S. companies creates additional opportunities for small businesses and generates more American jobs. Separately, 92% of policy influencers said tools such as e-commerce marketplaces are important for helping U.S. businesses reach new international markets, and 88% said fair access could spur growth for small businesses.
"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," said Matt Mowers, Executive Director of the US-Asia Fair Market Alliance.