Trade

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons today 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.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.