The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) endorsed congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the White House’s negotiated modification of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Specifically, AAPA supports that USMCA is a better alternative than withdrawing from NAFTA, that would lead to disruption of trade with America’s Mexican and Canadian neighbors and could negatively affect the US economy.
Moreover, the Association is of the opinion that NAFTA should proceed as is, until a replacement is approved by the Congress.
By agreeing to push for enactment, AAPA follows other industry associations, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, in support of the proposed USMCA treaty.
As AAPA Vice President of Government Relations, Susan Monteverde, noted
AAPA supports free and fair trade. Seaports are at the frontlines of the current uncertainties surrounding US trade policy. It’s important to recognize that international trade, both exports and imports, is good for American workers and our economy.
He continued that USMCA makes trade agreements up-to-date with the two neighbouring nations. Therefore, the Association urges the Congress to make a passage of the USMCA a priority.
In addition, Susan Monteverde addresses that they encourage the President and the US Trade Representative to negotiate improvements concerning the trade agreement with China that could conclude to swift removal of US tariffs on Chinese goods.
She added that the tariffs imposed, cost US businesses millions of dollars.
Concluding, in the case it is enacted, USMCA will:
- Increase the minimum wage for automotive workers across all three nations;
- Increase the North American-made content requirement for auto parts in new vehicles; strengthen intellectual property protections;
- Ease Canadian dairy import rules;
- Implement a review process for the trade agreement every six years;
- Change the name of the agreement to USMCA;
- Preserve most aspects of NAFTA, including the NAFTA dispute resolution process.
