U.S. Reps. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Martha McSally (R-AZ) on July 1 applauded the official implementation date for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).
“Today marks an important milestone for our country and economy,” Rep. Reed said. “After years of hard work, we are implementing a modernized free trade agreement with our northern and southern neighbors that creates fair market opportunities for American farmers, eliminates foreign governments’ unfair trading practices, and delivers relief to our domestic manufacturers.”
“Today is a great day for Arizona,” said Rep. McSally. “Finally, our state can take advantage of a much-improved trade deal that puts American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses on fair footing with our neighbors.”
Rep. Reed, who served as part of the Republican leadership’s USMCA team, and who co-chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus, which contributed to the swift passage of the USMCA, added that U.S. lawmakers “will continue to advocate for smart trading practices that hold our international partners accountable, deliver new economic opportunities, and create jobs for our communities.”
The USMCA supports several American industries, such as dairy farmers, by facilitating the end of Canada’s Class 6 and Class 7 milk policies, which will increase demand for American dairy, according to Rep. Reed’s office.
Additionally, the agreement supports grape growers, wineries and the beverage industry via non-discrimination and transparency commitments regarding the sale and distribution of wine and spirits; and manufacturers and businesses through updated requirements that reflect 21st-century economic issues, like intellectual property rights and digital trade, according to the congressman’s office.
Rep. McSally, who said she also “fought tirelessly in the Senate to deliver this massive win for our state,” looks forward to her home state’s commerce thriving for many years under the USMCA.
“Cross-border commerce in Arizona supports over $9 billion in exports each year and more than 228,000 jobs in Arizona,” she said.