MEMA urges NAFTA caution

A major reman trade body has cautioned the US government to beware of unintended consequences when it renegotiates the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), whose members include remanufacturers of components and systems for use in cars and heavy trucks, said in a statement: “Care must be taken to balance the re-shoring of US jobs with the unintended risks to current workers and the supply base. The final NAFTA product must continue to provide for a vibrant North American supply chain, which supports US jobs and competitiveness.” The agreement came into effect in 1994 and eliminates most tariffs between the US, Canada and Mexico, thus allowing a free flow of cores across borders. MEMA points out that its members “operate in a global industry with suppliers, customers, and facilities worldwide”, adding: “NAFTA has served our industry, the American worker, and the US economy well.” However, US president Donald Trump has called NAFTA “the worst trade deal in history” (‘Why doesn’t reman want to talk about Donald Trump?’ ReMaTecNews February/March). MEMA says it supports the administration’s efforts to update NAFTA: “A modernized and renegotiated NAFTA should provide the US with a framework for our industries, citizens, and national economy to thrive. MEMA urges the administration to renegotiate the NAFTA in such a manner to create a more competitive US manufacturing environment.”