MEMA Signs Chamber of Commerce Letter Urging Congress to Pass USMCA

In our continuing effort to gain strong bi-partisan support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), MEMA joined nearly 700 other organizations urging members of Congress to pass the new trade agreement as soon as possible. The House of Representatives is expected to vote tomorrow on the USMCA implementing legislation. Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the bill out of committee with an overwhelming yes vote and onto the House floor with only one Member voting no.

The letter, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was delivered to Capitol Hill on Dec. 17. MEMA and the rest of the coalition explain that passage of the USMCA can ensure secure trade with Canada and Mexico tariff-free.

“More than 12 million American jobs depend on trade with Canada and Mexico,” the letter reads. “U.S. manufacturers export more made-in-America manufactured goods to our North American neighbors than they do to the next 11 largest export markets combined, and the two countries account for nearly one-third of U.S. agricultural exports. They are also the top two export destinations for U.S. small and medium-size businesses, more than 120,000 of which sell their goods and services to Canada and Mexico.”

USMCA, replacing the quarter-century old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), will also modernize trade rules in North America, such as establishing standards for e-commerce.

“By creating a level playing field for trade in North America,” the letter states, “USMCA will help U.S. companies and the workers they employ compete in our top two export markets. The case for the agreement’s approval is strong.”