Some business groups fear the federal government's trade agencies would be less responsive to the needs of U.S. exporters if they're consolidated.

President Barack Obama has proposed moving all of the government's business-related and trade agencies into one agency.

"In our experience, we have found that smaller, more nimble agencies are better able to respond to the needs of American business," read a joint statement issued by the National Foreign Trade Council and the Coalition for Employment Through Exports.

The groups are particularly concerned about combining the U.S. Trade Representative's office with other trade programs.

"Congress has historically been reluctant to combine USTR with other functions, preferring to have our chief trade negotiator concentrate on negotiating rather than be burdened with broader programmatic responsibilities," the groups said.