News Release
FOR RELEASE - March 22, 2019
Contact: Aaron Ellis, Public Affairs Director, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(703) 684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
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The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – the unified and recognized voice of America’s seaports – at its annual Washington, D.C. Spring Conference this week agreed to support Congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which the President negotiated to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) currently in place.
AAPA believes USMCA is a better alternative than simply withdrawing from NAFTA, as disruption of trade with America’s Mexican and Canadian neighbors could negatively impact our nation’s economy. However, the association believes NAFTA should continue until a replacement is approved by Congress.
By agreeing to push for enactment, AAPA joins other industry leaders, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, in support of the proposed USMCA treaty.
AAPA will be testifying on Tuesday, March 26, before the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade pertaining to trade, jobs and support of the USMCA.
AAPA Vice President of Government Relations Susan Monteverde said: “AAPA supports free and fair trade. Seaports are at the frontlines of the current uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policy. It’s important to recognize that international trade, both exports and imports, is good for American workers and our economy.
“The USMCA modernizes trade agreements with our two neighboring nations, and we urge Congress to make passage of the USMCA a priority. We also encourage the President and the U.S. Trade Representative to successfully negotiate improvements in the trade agreement with China that can result in swift removal of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods … tariffs that are costing U.S. businesses millions of dollars.”
About AAPA
Founded in 1912 and recognized as the unified voice of seaports in the Americas, AAPA today represents 130 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 200 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. According to IHS Markit’s World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2017 totaled 4.303 billion metric tons in volume and US$2.675 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.741 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.024 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.90 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.305 trillion. To meet the growing demand for trade, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable. For more information, visit www.aapa-ports.org. On Twitter: http://twitter.com/AAPA_Seaports
