Vice President Mike Pence praised the new U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement as a win for ranchers, manufacturers, and auto workers.
“President [Donald] Trump promised to fight for better trade deals – and once again today he delivered,” Pence said in response to Monday’s announcement of the newly agreed upon U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. “After a year of tough negotiations, the United States and Mexico reached a trade agreement that is fair and reciprocal and will strengthen both nations’ economies.”
The Vice President said the day of the announcement marked “a new chapter between the United States and Mexico – one built around friendship, security, commerce, and prosperity.”
“The U.S.–Mexico Trade Agreement is a win for American ranchers, manufacturers, and auto workers,” declared Pence. “Our nations have agreed to new rules that will maintain duty free access for agricultural goods on both sides of the border.”
Vice President Pence highlighted agreement between the two North American nations to “eliminate non-tariff barriers and take other steps to encourage more agriculture trade between our two countries.”
Pence also echoed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s emphasis on the deal’s strong and enforceable labor standards. “Unlike any previous bilateral trade deal, this agreement includes the strongest labor standards, and these requirements are fully enforceable.”
“The President and our entire Administration are grateful to President Peña Nieto and his negotiating team for their good faith efforts to get this deal done,” said Pence, who called the day a “win for the American people.” He again echoed Lighthizer saying the administration looks “forward to working with members of Congress in both parties to swiftly approve this new trade agreement.”
President Donald Trump sat in the Oval Office with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto on the phone to announce to a small group of reporters that NAFTA in it’s current form was out and the U.S.-Mexico trade agreement was being established. The U.S. has left a door open for trade talks with Canada and the possibility of adding Canada to the trade deal with Mexico or a separate bilateral U.S.-Canada trade deal.
Michelle Moons is a White House Correspondent for Breitbart News — follow on Twitter @MichelleDiana and Facebook