Executives from the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) met with Vice President Mike Pence at Motor City Solutions to discuss the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Pence was in attendance to gather support for the agreement, which is expected to go before Congress later this year. Both MEMA and the OESA support the deal, urging a strong North American trade agreement to support the employment of Americans in the motor vehicle industry and a robust supply chain.
“Our meeting with Vice President Pence took place at a critical time for USMCA,” Bill Long, MEMA president and CEO, said. “MEMA agrees the industry needs a strong and viable North American Trade agreement and we continue to work closely with the administration to gain clarity to important concerns on steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as on regional and labor value content. Doing so will enable suppliers to fully realize the administration’s objectives of job growth and a strong foundation for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, globally.”
The gathering drew together around 200 people representing the motor vehicle and parts supplier industries. Before Pence’s appearance, supplies also held a panel discussion about the importance of such a trade deal.