NAM Backs USMCA Renewal Ahead of Deadline

The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) has reinforced its commitment to preserving the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the July 1, 2026, joint review deadline approaches, citing the trade pact's essential role in supporting North American manufacturing competitiveness and infrastructure development.

Originally signed in July 2020 to replace NAFTA, USMCA established a framework for balanced, predictable trade across the continent. The agreement faces a critical juncture: all three nations must decide whether to extend it for another 16 years, enter annual reviews, or allow termination when it expires on July 1, 2036.

"We strongly support maintaining USMCA as the foundation for balanced, predictable trade across the United States, Mexico, and Canada," stated PPI President David M. Fink in public comments submitted to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).

Benefits for manufacturers

The trade association emphasized that USMCA continues delivering meaningful benefits for American manufacturers and workers through stable supply chains, investment certainty, and long-term industrial growth opportunities.

"USMCA has provided the certainty manufacturers need to invest, expand operations, and support jobs here in the United States," Fink explained. He stressed the importance of preserving the framework that has enabled cross-border investments and strengthened regional competitiveness.

The stable investment environment created by USMCA enables consistent access to North American markets, facilitating long-term planning and capital investment that supports sustainable infrastructure growth — a critical consideration for the plastics pipe industry.

"We also can't emphasize enough the importance of a stable investment environment that USMCA provides for consistent access to North American markets, which enables long-term planning and capital investment that supports sustainable infrastructure growth," Fink added.

NAM voices support

The National Association of Manufacturers also is backing the extension. NAM recently released a report underscoring that the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement is a foundation for manufacturing dominance in the US — the most pro-US manufacturing trade agreement in history, with exports to Mexico and Canada already supporting 2 million American jobs. 

“The USMCA is a proven engine for America’s manufacturing strength, ensuring that more products bear the imprint ‘Made in America,’” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. 

As North America's major trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, PPI advocates for policies promoting fair trade, resilient supply chains, and infrastructure investment throughout the region.

https://www.plasticstoday.com/legislation-regulations/ppi-nam-back-usmca-renewal-ahead-of-deadline