Governor Larry Hogan Urges Federal Ratification of USMCA, End to Damaging Tariff Policies
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today urged the President and Congress to swiftly ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), as well as a reversal of recent tariffs leveled against the two adjacent countries and top trading partners.
In a letter to President Donald Trump, House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Governor Hogan writes, “Completion of a fair, flexible, and modernized trade agreement with our closest trading partners is essential, as free trade and strong relationships with neighboring allies are critical for peace and state economic prosperity.”
The governor’s letter details the positive impact USMCA ratification would have on Maryland’s economy, as trade with Canada and Mexico supports over 300,000 local jobs and represents over 20% of the state’s global exports.
Governor Hogan also advocated for the reversal of recent tariffs with Canada and Mexico that have increased the price of consumer goods, made it difficult to attract foreign investment, and disrupted states’ long-term economic strategies.
“I stand ready to work with the President and Congress to ensure that the USMCA is ratified this year and that these damaging tariffs are lifted. Maryland looks forward to maintaining and strengthening our partnerships with Canada, Mexico and other important trade partners so we can continue thriving in the 21st century economy,” concludes the governor.
Governor Hogan currently serves as the vice-chair of the National Governors Association, and will become the chair in July 2019. Read the governor’s letter here.