The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently praised the U.S. government’s plan to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and gave specific regulatory and technical suggestions.
The administration had informed Congress in mid-May of its plan to renegotiate the 23-year-old international treaty. NEMA anticipates the government’s release of objectives for terms of renegotiation by July 17, which is 30 days before negotiations between the U.S., Canada and Mexico formally commence, according to a news release.
“The U.S., Canada, and Mexico should build on the firm foundation of the 20-plus years of NAFTA and modernize the agreement to help make the region a manufacturing location of choice,” NEMA President and CEO Kevin Cosgriff said in the release. “We look forward to working with the administration and our counterparts in Canada and Mexico on this important initiative.”
As the trade association representing U.S. electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers, NEMA also requested permission to testify at a recent hearing of the Trade Policy Staff Committee.
Stressing that any changes should enhance trade without reducing market accessibility, NEMA offered advice on technical regulations, customs, rules of origin, intellectual property protection, government procurement, digital trade and services, according to the release.
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