The call follows threats by US President Donald Trump not to renew the agreement on what he believes are trade imbalances with both neighbouring countries.
The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on 1 July 2020, governs nearly $1.6tn in annual trade among the three countries.
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A letter to USTR Ambassador Greer, Secretary Ebrard, and Minister LeBlanc, signed by several organisations representing the textile, apparel, footwear, and retail industries including the AAFA, NRF, FDRA, USFIA, RILA, Asociación Nacional de Tiendas de Autoservicio y Departamentales, A.C. (ANTAD) Cámara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido (CANAIVE) Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) and Retail Council of Canada (RCC), was in support of preserving the trilateral framework of the USMCA.
“The USMCA plays a critical role in supporting the textile, apparel, footwear, and retail industries, helping businesses thrive while sustaining millions of jobs across North America,” read the letter.
“Deeply integrated supply chains have developed over decades across all three countries, facilitating substantial trade, investment and jobs in cotton, textiles, apparel, footwear, and retail sectors. To sustain this growth, it is essential to preserve duty-free treatment for USMCA-qualifying goods and maintain strong, enforceable and practical rules of origin.
“The USMCA underpins North American supply chains by establishing clear and predictable rules and providing a long-term framework that supports jobs, investment, and regional trade. Maintaining the Agreement’s core structure will help avoid unnecessary trade disruptions and business uncertainty. Our industries stand ready to serve as a resource and partner in continued collaboration throughout the review process.”
