FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2019
CONTACT: Jane Harris
206-800-2300
media@wcit.org
Statement from Washington Council on International Trade President Lori Otto Punke on House Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA)
SEATTLE – Thursday’s overwhelming passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the USMCA is great news for the farmers, ranchers, businesses and workers throughout our state that rely on trade for their livelihoods. International trade has long been the cornerstone of Washington state’s economy and the new trade pact strengthens parts of the previous trade agreement (NAFTA) by enabling even more opportunities to build on our robust trading relationships with Canada and Mexico. Nearly 13 percent of our state’s total exports go to our two neighbors, including almost $10 billion in goods and $2.5 billion in services.
As an active supporter of USMCA’s passage, WCIT applauds the steadfast efforts of the Washington State Congressional delegation who voted in favor, including, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Jamie Herrera Beutler, Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Derek Kilmer, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith and Denny Heck. We urge the U.S. Senate to follow the lead of their House colleagues and approve this trade agreement in the interest of jobs and economic growth in Washington state.
***
ABOUT WASHINGTON COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE
On behalf of our members – manufacturers, farmers, retailers, service providers and non-profits – the Washington Council on International Trade advocates for pro-trade policies and investments that benefit Washington’s workers and employers. Trade paves the way for Washington-made goods and services to reach foreign markets, provides Washingtonians with products that raise our quality of life, and sustains family-wage jobs in numerous local industries. To learn more, visit us at https://www.wcit.org.