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AF&PA Celebrates New Chapter for North American Trade Under USMCA Agreement

CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy / Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2587, comm@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the newly implemented U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which marked its entry into force today:

“The American Forest & Paper Association recognizes that today is a historic day marking the entry into force of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will preserve free and fair trade in North America and commit the countries to combat illegal logging and associated trade.

“AF&PA celebrates this day as a new chapter for North American trade. The USMCA will bring about improvements and modernized approaches that strengthen existing supply chains. 

“Especially now, as we face the COVID-19 global pandemic together, the USMCA will increase manufacturing capacity and investment in North America, providing stronger labor protections and expanded market access to help keep the economy and our industry going at this critical time.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper