November 14, 2017 – North America’s electroindustry today jointly transmitted recommendations to its respective governments to retain, modernize and improve the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in ways that increase market access, reduce business costs and improve global competitiveness.

“The U.S., Canada and Mexico have a great opportunity to upgrade NAFTA for the 21st Century economy,” said Kevin J. Cosgriff, president & CEO of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, speaking on behalf of NEMA (U.S.), Cámara Nacional de Manufacturas Eléctricas (CANAME, Mexico) and Electro-Federation Canada (EFC).

“Our shared recommendations aim straight in that direction, and we will continue to work with the governments to reach consensus on our objectives,” Cosgriff added.

The joint recommendations call for an updated NAFTA to support business investments in North America, enable collaboration on standards and regulatory matters, and further open market access for testing, conformity assessment and inspection services. The groups are also calling for closer collaboration on trade facilitation and customs matters, and recommend reducing existing barriers to digital trade while promoting cybersecurity.

Together, the three associations say they represent about $36 billion USD in NAFTA trade and employ more than 530,000 people located in 7500 facilities in communities across North America.

The full recommendations can be found below (PDF download, 497 kb).