USMCA Will Benefit American Workers And Businesses

Study: USMCA ‘Would Add $68.2 Billion To The U.S. Economy And Create 176,000 New Jobs’

“A new trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada would add $68.2 billion to the U.S. economy and create 176,000 new jobs, according to a study from the International Trade Commission released on Thursday…. ‘The model estimates that the agreement would likely have a positive impact on all broad industry sectors within the U.S. economy,’ the report says. ‘Manufacturing would experience the largest percentage gains in output, exports, wages, and employment, while in absolute terms, services would experience the largest gains in output and employment.’” (“USMCA To Add $68.2B To US Economy, Spur 176k Jobs Says Key Independent Review Panel, Fox Business, 4/18/2019)

• “The so-called United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement would also increase U.S. exports to Canada by 5.9 percent to $19.1 billion, and shipments to Mexico by 6.7 percent to $14.2 billion. Imports from Canada and Mexico would rise by 4.8 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.” (“USMCA To Add $68.2B To US Economy, Spur 176k Jobs Says Key Independent Review Panel, Fox Business, 4/18/2019)

“President Donald Trump’s trade pact with Mexico and Canada would drive growth in the US economy amid a boost for the automotive sector, according to an analysis by the International Trade Commission. The ITC said in its report released on Thursday that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would have a positive impact on US real gross domestic product and employment “if fully implemented and enforced”, citing new rules of origin governing vehicle production. The report also found benefits from reduced policy uncertainty regarding digital trade.” (“USMCA Trade Deal To Boost US Economy, Trade Commission Finds,” Financial Times, 4/18/2019)

“American dairy exports to Canada would increase by $227 million annually under the new USMCA deal, according to a report out today from the U.S. International Trade Commission. The 375-page report assessed the range of effects of the deal, including on dairy, which was among the most politically sensitive issues in Canada. The ITC estimated American dairy exports to Canada would jump significantly — by 43.8 percent.” (“U.S. ITC Report: Dairy Exports To Canada Would Grow $227M Under New Deal,” Politico Pro, 4/18/2019)

Trade With Canada And Mexico Is Vital To Kentucky Farmers, Manufacturers, Distillers And Workers

151,000 Kentucky jobs depend on trade with Canada and Mexico, as of 2017. (“Kentucky Depends on Trade with Canada and Mexico,” Business Roundtable, Accessed 1/15/2020)

Canada and Mexico make up two of Kentucky’s top five export markets, together buying over $10 billion in Kentucky goods in 2018. Canada purchases more goods from Kentucky than any other country. (“Kentucky Trade Facts,” Office of the United States Trade Representative Website, Accessed 1/15/2020)

“Canada and Mexico purchase nearly one-third of Kentucky’s total global manufacturing exports” and “more than 18,700 Kentucky manufacturing jobs depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico.” (“USMCA Passage is Critical for Kentucky Manufacturers and Workers,” National Association of Manufacturers, 5/2019)

“Kentucky distillers shipped over $452 million of product abroad in 2017, with whiskey accounting for about 85 percent of the total.” Canada and Mexico are among the leading importers of Kentucky whiskey, together purchasing over $35 million worth in 2017. (“The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Distilling Industry in Kentucky,” Kentucky Distillers’ Association, 1/30/2019)

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT Mark Haney: “Canada and Mexico are two of our nation’s largest trading partners and are top export markets for Kentucky goods. In 2018, Kentucky exported $265 million in agricultural and related products to Canada and $47 million to Mexico.” (Mark Haney, Kentucky Farm Bureau President, Letter to Sen. McConnell, 10/21/2019)

• “We cannot emphasize enough how critically important it is that we maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors to pave the way for new opportunities … Our farmers have been patiently waiting for Congress to consider the USMCA. We need the agreement ratified and we need it to happen now.” (Mark Haney, Kentucky Farm Bureau President, Letter to Sen. McConnell, 10/21/2019)

KENTUCKY COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE RYAN QUARLES: “[F]ormer U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture, Republicans and Democrats, called for ratification of the USMCA. That's because members of both political parties know it makes sense to do business with our neighbors. Our farm families produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. It is beyond time to pass the USMCA and secure market access with two of our largest trading partners.” (Commissioner Quarles, Press Release, 9/20/2019)

Business Leaders, Manufacturers, Farmers, And Trade Associations Agree: ‘Passage Of USMCA Will Solidify America’s Trading Relationship With Our North American Neighbors,’ ‘USMCA Includes Groundbreaking Modernization Provisions,’ ‘USMCA Is A Meaningful Trade Victory That Will Provide Benefits For Decades To Come’

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO Thomas J. Donohue: “While no deal is perfect, USMCA’s updated rules on digital trade, non-tariff barriers, and services promise real benefits to American businesses and consumers. USMCA is a welcome gift … leveling the playing field for trade in North America and helping U.S. companies compete in our top two export markets. We applaud the House’s passage of USMCA on a strong, bipartisan basis and urge the Senate to act swiftly. Final passage of USMCA will solidify America’s trading relationship with our North American neighbors and signal to the world that America remains open for business.” (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE President & CEO Joshua Bolten: “House passage of USMCA legislation required years of hard work, and we commend Congress and the Administration for their bipartisan efforts that will strengthen U.S. economic growth and increase American jobs. This agreement will support American workers, businesses and industries across broad sectors of the U.S. economy. We urge the Senate to pass USMCA and send the implementing bill to the President’s desk for signature into law.” (Business Roundtable, Statement, 12/19/2019)

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN and CEO of Cummins Inc. Tom Linebarger: “Today’s historic bipartisan [House] vote on USMCA supports over 12 million American jobs that depend on the $1.4 trillion in trade with our neighbors. USMCA includes groundbreaking modernization provisions, opens markets to American goods and services, and will be fully enforceable. We urge swift passage of USMCA by the Senate.” (Business Roundtable, Statement, 12/19/2019)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons: “[A] ratified USMCA will deliver increased certainty for manufacturers—especially for the 2 million manufacturing workers whose jobs depend on North American trade.” (National Association of Manufacturers, Press Release, 12/10/2019)

• “The Senate should act swiftly; manufacturers have waited long enough, and passage of the USMCA will help restore trade certainty and empower our industry, the backbone of the America economy, to continue growing here in the United States.” (National Association of Manufacturers, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION President Zippy Duvall: “We are now one step away from unleashing the competitiveness of America’s farmers and ranchers with our two largest trading partners thanks to today’s Senate Finance Committee vote. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will protect our valuable trade relationships with our nearest neighbors and return certainty to our markets. We urge immediate approval by the full Senate to deliver a much-needed win for agriculture.” (American Farm Bureau Federation, Press Release, 1/07/2020)

• “This trade agreement could not come at a more critical time for U.S. agriculture…. The USMCA will provide continuity in the growth of the North American market and will strengthen our trading relationships with Canada and Mexico, which are our number-one and number-two export markets, respectively.” (American Farm Bureau Federation, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION (CTA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro: “America is the bastion of the internet economy, and the new NAFTA will help guarantee it stays that way. This agreement will help American technology leadership and ensure business of all sizes thrive in a competitive global marketplace. In addition to facilitating trade with our neighboring countries, the new NAFTA’s digital trade provisions – importantly intermediary liability protections, forced data localization prohibitions and balanced copyright provisions – are especially critical for small businesses. They will provide a solid platform for expanding trade and investment around the innovative technology products America is known for. We urge the Senate to pass USMCA quickly keep our vibrant internet economy trading, investing and thriving.” (Consumer Technology Association, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION (NRF) Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French: “This agreement provides significant updates to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has benefited U.S. retailers, workers and consumers for a quarter-century…. These modernized provisions will help ensure that North American trade policy reflects today’s global economy and will continue to benefit the U.S. economy. USMCA is a meaningful trade victory that will provide benefits for decades to come…. Final passage of USMCA is key to providing continued growth for U.S. companies that rely on the North American market for goods and services. It also guarantees that American families can continue to find the products they need at prices they can afford. We look forward to seeing USMCA enacted in the new year.” (National Retail Federation, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan: “The U.S. trade relationship with Canada and Mexico has created significant opportunities for America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. The vast majority of U.S. firms that do businesses in Canada and Mexico are small businesses, and the opportunities will only grow under USMCA.  The digital, IP, good regulatory practices and small business chapters will significantly enhance small business participation in these markets…. Small businesses will grow more, innovate more and trade more under USMCA.” (Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Press Release, 12/19/2019)

“Groups representing the trucking, freight rail and auto industries praised today's announcement of a deal between House Democrats and the White House on a new North American trade agreement, saying it ensures certainty and will boost commerce with the United States' neighbors. Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Associations, called it a ‘historic victory for truck drivers, motor carriers and the entire American economy.’ The group said $772 billion worth of goods crosses the borders with Mexico and Canada via truck every year. The Association of American Railroads, representing the freight rail industry, said the deal ‘provides much-needed certainty with our two largest trading partners.’ And the auto industry, including General Motors and the Association of Global Automakers, is in favor too. ‘We view the agreement as vital to the success of the North American auto industry,’ GM said.” (“Trucking, Rail And Auto Industries Hail USMCA Deal,” Politico Pro, 12/10/2019)

Senate Republicans: USMCA Is ‘A Win’ For Hard-Working Americans, ‘A Groundbreaking Deal That Will Dramatically Improve The Way We Do Business With Our Closest Trading Partners’ That ‘Brings NAFTA Into The 21st Century’

SEN. ROB PORTMAN (R-OH), Senate Finance Committee Member: “This has been over two years of hard work. Frankly, it sat up in the House for over a year. It’s exciting that we’re finally here and that we’re going to get this done because it’s good for Ohio and it’s good for America…. I support USMCA because I believe it is a pro-trade agreement. It opens new markets…. It reduces trade uncertainty with the first ever digital trade chapter for NAFTA. Really important because this is increasingly part of trade. Particularly in Ohio, we have a lot of internet companies that are going to benefit from this. It also eases the customs burden for small sellers … it helps a lot of our small businesses in Ohio.” (Sen. Portman, Press Release, 1/07/2020)

SEN. JONI ERNST (R-IA), Senate Finance Committee Member: “Our farmers, manufacturers, and small business owners need certainty & predictability and getting this deal done with our top two trading partners gives them exactly that. We waited for over a year for the House Democrats to move on the USMCA, and I’m happy to be a part of this process today in getting this bill to the Senate floor as quickly as possible…. I believe that having the USMCA will not only be a win for my state but also for the hard working Americans from all over the United States. Ratifying this agreement will be a shot of positive energy into businesses, homes, and lives across rural America.” (Sen. Ernst, Press Release, 1/14/2020)

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX), Senate Finance Committee Member: “[USMCA] brings NAFTA into the 21st century. It will provide economic certainty, reduced tariffs, and greater opportunity for all sectors, including our farmers, ranchers and producers; manufacturers; and goods and services. It'll provide needed infrastructure along the border, as well.” (Sen. Cornyn, Press Release, 1/07/2020)

SEN. STEVE DAINES (R-MT), Senate Finance Committee Member: “Today marks a very important step for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across Montana as well as around our country. Advancing this important trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico out of the Senate Finance Committee will bring us one step closer to providing more certainty and better access to markets for Montana agriculture.” (Sen. Daines, Press Release, 1/07/2020)

SEN. BEN SASSE (R-NE), Senate Finance Committee Member: “It’s about dang time and it took a messy fight, but here’s the great news: we’ve earned a win for Nebraska farmers and ranchers. I’ve been working with the President for more than a year now, pushing Speaker Pelosi to get this done. I’m glad House Democrats have stopped stonewalling so we can let Nebraska keep feeding the world.” (Sen. Sasse, Press Release, 12/10/2019)

SEN. THOM TILLIS (R-NC): “President Trump promised to replace NAFTA with a better trade deal for American workers, and he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for negotiating the USMCA, which will provide a great boost to North Carolina’s small businesses and hardworking farmers.” (Sen. Tillis, Press Release, 12/10/2019)

SEN. CORY GARDNER (R-CO): “It’s time for Congress to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which would add about 176,000 American jobs and boost our economy by $68 billion…. A great portion of our economy in Colorado is dependent on trade with Canada and Mexico, who are by far our top trading partners…. Pass the USMCA. Let’s get this job done.” (Sen. Gardner, Facebook, 12/02/2019)

SEN. DAVID PERDUE (R-GA): “The USMCA is a groundbreaking deal that will dramatically improve the way we do business with our closest trading partners. It will create nearly 180,000 new jobs and increase U.S. GDP by about $68 billion. Not only will the USMCA continue our country’s historic economic turnaround, but it will also give the Trump Administration negotiating power in trade talks with China and other countries…. It should not have taken more than a year to get to this point, but finally, Congress and the Trump Administration will have the opportunity to deliver this huge win for the entire country.” (Sen. Perdue, Press Release, 12/10/2019)

SEN. MIKE ROUNDS (R-SD): “I voted in our EPW Committee to bring the USMCA to the Senate floor for a vote, so we can get this important trade agreement enacted quickly…. The USMCA will give our producers and manufacturers greater opportunities to sell their products in Mexico and Canada, two of our closest allies and top trading partners. Ratifying USMCA will also provide us with some leverage as we seek to finish trade deals with other countries around the world. I look forward to bringing the USMCA to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.” (Sen. Rounds, Press Release, 1/14/2020)