The meeting was part of MEMA’s ongoing effort to work with President Donald Trump’s administration on policies that impact motor vehicle suppliers across the country. While an important aspect of the meeting was to emphasize the critical role suppliers play in the U.S. economy, the main purpose was to educate Pence of the threat to U.S. jobs, investment and business growth stemming from the uncertainty of USMCA, also referred to as the new NAFTA, and the threat of tariffs on autos and parts. This was the second time that MEMA leadership and members had met with Pence on these issues and the delegations thanked the vice president for his leadership and nationwide support to help pass USMCA.
“A stable, reliable trade environment is essential for the continued growth of the motor vehicle supplier industry,” says MEMA President and CEO Bill Long, who led the delegation. “The Vice President and the administration recognizes the powerful contribution vehicle parts suppliers represent to the U.S. economy, be it in jobs or new technology. In the room with the Vice President, we had a small group of CEOs and executives representing companies with employees in 33 states, and nearly 60,000 jobs. As the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., the voice of the motor vehicle supplier industry is an important factor as the administration makes trade decisions.”
If the new USMCA is ratified, trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada will be modernized to remain competitive with other manufacturing centers across the world, foster economic growth and confidence, and maintain stability in the supply chain, says MEMA, which is working to urge Congress to pass the USMCA without further delay.