Washington, D.C. – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the newly implemented U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which marked its entry into force today:

“The American Forest & Paper Association recognizes that today is a historic day marking the entry into force of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will preserve free and fair trade in North America and commit the countries to combat illegal logging and associated trade.

“AF&PA celebrates this day as a new chapter for North American trade. The USMCA will bring about improvements and modernized approaches that strengthen existing supply chains.

“Especially now, as we face the COVID-19 global pandemic together, the USMCA will increase manufacturing capacity and investment in North America, providing stronger labor protections and expanded market access to help keep the economy and our industry going at this critical time.”