Manufacturers React to NAFTA News
Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
(source: www.nam.org/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2018/08/Manufacturers-React-to-NAFTA-News)
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons continued manufacturers’ call to secure the best deal possible for manufacturing workers in America:
“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. It is a positive signal that some form of NAFTA will survive. Manufacturers accept the administration’s position that the 25-year-old NAFTA agreement needs updates. Our hope—for the sake of our workers and a successful manufacturing industry here in America—is that the final agreement will include all three of the original signatories: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Because of the massive amount of movement of goods between the three countries and the integration of operations which make manufacturing in our country more competitive, it is imperative that a trilateral agreement be inked.
“Regarding the negotiations with Mexico, we are pleased that, at the NAM’s urging, today’s framework seems to include content requirements that are more workable than previous suggestions, investment protections for some industries (we would prefer that it applies to all manufacturers), stronger intellectual property protections than negotiated in previous agreements and a modernized approach to how we operate in a digital age. It also does not include language incorporating the disruptive uncertainty of ending the agreement every five years (sunset provision) and instead establishes a rigorous review process.
“Reaffirming our relationship with such a vital trading partner, neighbor and ally is crucial and sends a powerful message as America confronts China’s unfair trading practices.”