The International Trade Administration’s Joe Semsar Highlights USMCA Entry Into Force at Wilson Center USMCA Panel
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2020
Contact: ITA Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 202-482-3809
WASHINGTON – Today, Joe Semsar, Deputy Under Secretary Performing the Non-exclusive Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary for International Trade, joined the Wilson Center to outline tomorrow’s entry into force of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during the “USMCA: Launching a New Phase of Prosperity in North America” webcast.
Semsar delivered remarks and participated in a panel alongside his counterparts, the Undersecretary for Foreign Trade at the Mexico Secretariat of Economy, Luz María De La Mora, and the Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, Ailish Campbell.
Semsar noted USMCA’s focus on rebalancing and modernizing trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the significant economic and job growth that USMCA will support in the United States.
Semsar also discussed important updates to chapters on the automotive industry and small and medium-sized enterprises, while Undersecretary De La Mora discussed updates to the chapters on labor and the committee on competitiveness, and Trade Commissioner Campbell spoke on the chapters of digital trade, good regulatory practices, and trade facilitation.
“The USMCA will ensure North America remains the world’s economic powerhouse,” said Semsar. “President Trump delivered on his promise to renegotiate NAFTA and replace it with a new agreement that increased American exports, provided high-paying jobs for Americans workers, and leveled the playing field for American manufacturers, farmers, and ranchers. USMCA does just that!”
Following their remarks, the three officials participated in a panel moderated by former United States Ambassador to Mexico and Wilson Center Public Policy Fellow, Tony Wayne. The three panelists fielded questions about the progress they hope to see by next year and how the USMCA will allow for more competition in the global marketplace.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) recognizes the importance of providing American business owners with the most relevant information on the implementation of the USMCA and strives to provide trade services that will help business owners navigate foreign markets. ITA resources are available on ITA’s USMCA and Export Solutions pages.
Semsar’s prepared remarks can be accessed here.
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