Updated Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada Good for U.S. Cotton

By Cotton Grower Staff|October 1, 2018

The establishment of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is good news for the U.S. cotton industry.

“The National Cotton Council (NCC) is extremely appreciative of the Trump Administration’s work to update and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement, and our industry welcomes the conclusion of the negotiations,” said NCC Chairman Ron Craft, a Plains, Texas, ginner.

According to the NCC, the USMCA will ensure continued duty-free access for U.S. cotton to Mexico and Canada, with Mexico representing a top five export market for U.S. raw cotton. Both Canada and Mexico are top five export markets for cotton textile and apparel exports.

Craft said, “The NCC is pleased to see the addition of a textile and apparel chapter to the USMCA and inclusion of provisions to promote greater use of U.S. origin textile products, incentivize North American textile production, and strengthen customs enforcement in textile and apparel products.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration in addressing other trade issues to grow exports of U.S. cotton and cotton products and enhance our market share and competitiveness in key markets,” he added.