The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has called on Congress to pass legislation to implement a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. In doing so, NEMA cited the beneficial aspects of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“Our neighbors to the immediate north and south are not only major markets for our Members’ products but also supply chain and manufacturing partners,” says NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. “We need Congress and the Administration to work together and quickly pass legislation to implement the USMCA.”
“The USMCA, as agreed and signed last year, includes many provisions that advance cooperation with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts to address business costs in North America and boost our global competitiveness,” adds NEMA Vice President, Government Relations, Philip Squair. “Congress should act quickly to approve USMCA so that its benefits can be realized as soon as possible.”
The Administration concluded negotiations on the USMCA on Sept. 30, 2018. The three governments signed the new agreement on Nov. 30, 2018. However, before it can enter into force, the federal legislatures in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico must each approve it. In the U.S., the Administration sends legislation to Congress, which will have 90 days to consider and approve it, but not amend it.