AF&PA Join Hands with Trade Associations for Speedy Passage of USMCA

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has joined a handful of other trade association, urging speedy passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

More than 20 U.S.-based trade associations joined hands to send a letter to the members of Congress. The other key signatories of the letter include the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Chemistry Council, National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, and the Railway Supply Institute.

The letter highlighted the significance of earliest action on passage of USMCA by the Congress and signing it into law by the President. It noted that over 12 million U.S. jobs are dependent on trade with Mexico and Canada. The exports of U.S. manufactured goods to the above two countries is more than the combined exports to the next 11 largest export markets combined. The USMCA will ensure tariff-free entry of U.S. exports to these markets, thereby ensuring easy access to the Canadian and Mexican markets.

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Donna Harman, President and CEO, AF&PA noted that the new stronger provisions of the USMCA will support tremendous economic growth and job creation. The passage of the new trade agreement will secure nearly 88,000 direct jobs in the U.S. pulp and paper manufacturing industry. Moreover, it will result in implementation of stronger regulatory standards and improved provisions to fight illegal logging. She urged Congress to pass the agreement as soon as possible.