Kurt's Work

For Immediate Release

December 10, 2019

Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711

Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the following statement after the announcement that the United States, Mexico and Canada have reached an agreement on the text of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“It appears that Congress and the Trump Administration have succeeded in negotiating a new NAFTA  agreement with our two most important trading partners: Canada and Mexico. For a trade dependent state like Oregon where much of its agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services are shipped internationally, this is great news. It is the shot in the arm we need to keep our economy and job growth strong. There have been significant improvements for our farmers, businesses, workers and families that reflect the 21st century global economy.”

“The world has changed since NAFTA was negotiated over 20 years ago. We now have transnational data issues and intellectual property issues.  Our service economy plays a bigger role.  Canada and Mexico have more vibrant and developed economies now.  And the world has gotten more competitive.”

“This United States Mexico Canada Agreement promotes more American exports to Canada and Mexico and would truly level the playing field for American workers. I am hopeful that it will be the gold standard for future trade agreements.”

According to the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative, in 2018, Oregon exported $22.3 billion in goods around the world, $3.7 billion to Canada and Mexico alone.

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