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ASA, along with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and many similar associations including 112 members of Congress, urged U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to pursue a strong extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that strengthens North American competitiveness and addresses outstanding trade concerns.

The bipartisan congressional effort was led by Rep. Yakym (R-IN), who joined lawmakers in expressing support for Ambassador Greer’s efforts to secure a high-quality agreement that benefits American manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service providers, energy producers, and businesses across the country.

In a letter to Ambassador Greer, lawmakers thanked the U.S. Trade Representative for his efforts to ensure a level playing field for American industries and emphasized the importance of using the USMCA Joint Review process to strengthen the agreement. The letter highlighted that July 1 marked the statutory date of the USMCA Joint Review, an opportunity for the United States, Mexico, and Canada to evaluate whether the agreement is meeting its commitments and address emerging economic challenges.

Members of Congress noted that the USMCA was the result of extensive negotiations with congressional input and received strong bipartisan support when approved. They emphasized that the agreement has provided greater certainty for businesses, encouraged reshoring of manufacturing, supported job creation, increased wages, promoted innovation, and expanded export opportunities throughout North America and global markets. However, lawmakers argued that the Joint Review process provides an opportunity to address areas where improvements are needed. The letter urged the administration to focus on several priorities, including:

  • Securing promised market access commitments that have not been fully realized;
  • Addressing new trade actions by Mexico and Canada that negatively impact American manufacturers, agriculture producers, service providers, and workers;
  • Countering unfair trade and investment practices from third countries that threaten North American economic competitiveness and American jobs; and
  • Improving tariff structures to strengthen regional supply chains and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

While lawmakers expressed support for extending the USMCA, they emphasized that achieving meaningful outcomes should take priority over meeting an arbitrary deadline.

“The desired result is an extension agreed to by the United States, Mexico, and Canada,” the members wrote, while encouraging all three countries to work constructively and efficiently toward an agreement that delivers measurable benefits for North American businesses and workers. 

ASA supported the congressional letter, reinforcing the manufacturing sector’s interest in maintaining a stable, predictable North American trade framework while ensuring that USMCA partners uphold their commitments.  As negotiations continue, manufacturers and lawmakers are calling for a strengthened USMCA that promotes investment, protects American jobs, and ensures North America remains competitive in the global economy.