NORTH AMERICAN CHEMISTRY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS RELEASE JOINT STATEMENT ON PRIORITIES FOR POTENTIAL NAFTA MODERNIZATION

The North American chemistry industry, represented by the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and Mexico’s, Asociación Nacional de la Industria Química (ANIQ), today released a joint statement outlining the industry’s priorities for a potential renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Trade in chemicals between NAFTA countries has more than tripled, from $20 billion in 1994 to over $63 billion today.  The three associations strongly believe that although NAFTA has delivered important gains for the chemistry sector in North America, it could have an even larger impact if it reflected the recent progress in regulatory, customs, transportation, and communication practices and procedures.

“NAFTA set the global standard for free trade agreements 23 years ago,” said Bob Masterson, CIAC President and CEO, “and we look forward to its modernization to further improve continental trade of chemistry products.”

CIAC, ACC and ANIQ welcome opportunities to work with our respective governments to re-examine and strengthen NAFTA, with a focus on delivering enhanced benefits for the region’s businesses, workers and consumers. We are united in our support of a comprehensive review and modernization of NAFTA that energizes economic growth and job creation in North America, and we are ready to help drive it.

The full joint statement is available here:
http://www.canadianchemistry.ca/library/uploads/NAFTA_and_the_North_American_Chemical_Industry.pdf