Lt. Gov Randy McNally (Photo credit: Office of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally)While political analysts and historians will debate the reason for Donald Trump’s surprise 2016 victory for many years, one issue above all animated forgotten portions of the electorate and allowed him to win states Republicans had not in many, many years: trade.
The promise of putting American workers and interests first in negotiating trade deals resonated both with the Republican base and with Democrats who felt their party had abandoned them. Making sure our international trading partners were treating us fairly was a chief campaign promise of the president.
The president is keeping his promise with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It is a measured, careful approach that stays true to free trade principles while making sure our farmers, laborers and white-collar workers are protected. This deal is good for all our trading partners and the future of our region. But most importantly it is good for Americans – our nation and our workers.
When finalized, the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will create more balanced, reciprocal trade that supports high-paying jobs for Americans and grows the North American economy.
This agreement updates an old, stale and ultimately unsuccessful 24-year-old agreement known as NAFTA with modern provisions that serve our interests. The new agreement rebalances the relationship with our North American trading partners to better serve the interests of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.