Arizona universities come out in support of USMCA

The revised NAFTA deal, also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), is still waiting for ratification in both the United States and Canada. 

As policymakers hold out on ratifying the legislation here in the United States, many advocates are strongly encouraging Congress and the Trump administration to pass the new agreement as soon as possible.

Now, the latest round of letters in support of USMCA passage comes from the presidents of  Arizona’s public universities in coordination with the national USMCA Day of Action.

Penned by ASU’s Dr. Michael Crow, NAU’s Dr. Rita Cheng, and UA’s Dr. Robert Robbins, the letters focus on the economic impact that the USMCA would have on not only our state but our trade partners as well. 

“Arizonans are uniting around USMCA,” said Governor Ducey. “I am grateful to President Crow, President Cheng and President Robbins for their leadership on this issue. Ratifying USMCA will help us continue to strengthen our partnership with Mexico, Arizona’s number one trading partner, and Canada, bringing more jobs, trade and opportunities to Arizona.”

“The USMCA is a truly 21st century trade agreement that provides the proper framework for Arizona and Mexico to deepen our mutually beneficial ties,” said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. “Today, more than ever, it is in the best interest in Arizona that we recommit to closer ties with our neighbors and build a better shared future by ratifying USMCA.”

Currently, Mexico ranks first when it comes to total overall value of goods traded with the US. Canada is a close second in statistics. Top imports from Mexico include computers, motor vehicle parts, commercial vehicles, produce, and commuter vehicles, and Mexico recorded $557 billion in trade with the U.S. in recent numbers.

Mexico has steadily increased trade with the United States, seeing a 3.6-percent increase in total trade during the first five months of this year compared to the same time last year. Plus, Arizona’s trade with Canada and Mexico supplies what’s needed to support more than 228,000 jobs and more than $20 billion in combined trade.

For a signed copy of Arizona State University President Crow’s letter, click HERE.

For a signed copy of Northern Arizona University President Cheng’s letter, click HERE.

For a signed copy of University of Arizona President Robbins’s letter, click HERE.