WASHINGTON – Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo today released the following statements upon President Trump’s signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law:
“Idaho’s ag producers and manufacturers have waited a long time for a trade deal that delivers truly free and fair trade. The USMCA is a victory for Idaho and all of America and its signature into law will herald in a new chapter of even greater economic opportunity and success,” said Risch. “I thank and congratulate the Trump administration on making this historic trade deal a reality.”
“I thank President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for their forceful negotiations of the USMCA,” said Crapo. “Signing this agreement into law is a step forward in ensuring improved access to valuable export opportunities for Idaho’s farmers and ranchers.”
Background: Free and fair trade is vital for Idaho’s $4 billion export industry. The USMCA will provide much-needed updates to the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by:
- Opening markets and reducing trade barriers.
- Raising the projected U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than $68 billion.
- Creating an anticipated 176,000 American jobs.
- Establishing new provisions related to intellectual property and digital trade.
- Providing Idaho farmers, ranchers, and small businesses with new trading pathways for commodities like dairy.
- Preserving existing channels for top Idaho exports like potatoes, canola, and beef cattle.
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