Macomb – State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) is co-sponsoring a resolution urging Congress to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USCMA represents an agreement among those three nations to renegotiate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“Negotiating better trade deals and opening up foreign markets for American-made and grown products will help families right here in western Illinois,” said Rep. Hammond. “With trade uncertainty in markets like China and new regulations coming out of Springfield, area farmers, manufacturers, and workers need new trade agreements that work for them. The USMCA is a long-overdue upgrade from current trade agreements and will expand export markets in Canada and Mexico. That’s why it’s supported by so many groups, including the Illinois Farm Bureau. It’s time for Congress to pass the USCMA so we can create new jobs and grow our economy.”
The resolution, House Resolution 527, states, “The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) represents a beneficial update to the three nations’ already strong trade relationship and will positively impact the State of Illinois…Canada and Mexico are the largest trade partners of the State of Illinois, purchasing $31.8 billion in goods and services from Illinois and supporting 491,700 jobs in 2017…[W]e urge the United States Congress to promptly ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to enhance the economies of our State and our nation…”
Ratification of the USMCA would positively benefit Illinois workers. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), top export products from Illinois to Canada and Mexico include machinery, petroleum and coal products, computer and electronic products, and processed food, among other products.
The USMCA opens up Canadian and Mexican markets for products made in America. The new trade agreement is supported by the US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and nearly 1,000 agricultural groups, including the Illinois Farm Bureau.
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