WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Bakers Association (ABA) commends the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for achieving a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which includes both Canada and Mexico.
“Bakers are encouraged by the recent, substantial progress on NAFTA renegotiation,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “A trilateral agreement is crucial to maintaining long-held supply chains and joint production processes that have allowed our industry to flourish. Whether it is flour or specialty ingredients, having clearly defined and reliable supply chains is vital for bakers.”
The announced agreement contains updated language on several important issues to bakers, including chapters on agriculture, biotechnology, sanitary measures, country of origin labeling and cross-border distribution. A formal congressional consideration of the new agreement is expected in early 2019.
“We are eager to review the fine details of the agreement’s provisions with our members,” said MacKie. “With that said, the announcement marks a substantial step forward after a year of intense negotiation by our country’s Trade Representative. For bakers who are reliant upon stable supply chains, this is an important step.”
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About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people. Follow ABA with #AmericanBakers
Source: American Bakers Association
